How Schools Deal with Bullying: Insights from Toley Ranz
At Toley Ranz, we believe that effective laws are those understood and lived by. Unfortunately, when it comes to how schools deal with bullying, this isn’t always the case. When a child bullies another, what actions should parents and schools take? What lessons do both the bully and the victim learn? It’s important to address these issues and here, we’ve collected an insightful guide as to how.
Legal Protections Against Bullying
Bullying can significantly impact a child’s self-confidence, academic performance, and overall well-being. But there are legal protections in place in terms of how schools address bullying such as:
- State Anti-Bullying Laws: Every state has anti-bullying laws requiring schools to report, document, and investigate bullying incidents within a specific timeframe. These laws often include consequences for bullies and services like counseling for both victims and bullies. It’s crucial for parents to understand their state’s specific laws and their school’s bullying policy.
- Federal Anti-Bullying Protections: Federal laws, such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, provide additional protections for children with disabilities. Schools must act if bullying interferes with a child’s right to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) or creates a hostile environment.
Addressing the Issue
Schools are required to investigate any suspected bullying and take action to stop it. Best practices include disciplining bullies, providing counseling, ensuring adult supervision in common areas, training teachers to recognize and respond to bullying, and formalized instruction on expected behaviors. Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is a popular approach focusing on the explicit teaching of good behavior, which can reduce bullying and suspensions.
Beyond Legal Measures
Stopping bullying isn’t just about implementing laws; it’s about fostering an environment where respect and self-worth are ingrained in children from a young age. That’s why Toley Ranz’s approach goes beyond punitive measures by nurturing these values in children as early as possible, helping them grow into respectful and confident individuals. By teaching children to value themselves and others, Toley Ranz aims to create a culture of respect and empathy that extends beyond the classroom.
Taking Action
Parents play a crucial role in addressing bullying. It’s essential to document any bullying incidents, including the impact on the child, such as reluctance to go to school or changes in behavior. Reporting the incidents in writing to the school can help ensure that appropriate action is taken. If bullying affects a child’s education, parents should request an IEP or 504 plan meeting to discuss the situation and explore additional support options.
Improve how schools deal with bullying by contacting us today!
Toley Ranz emphasizes proactive measures in combating bullying by promoting values of self-worth, self-belief, and respect through its 10-Point Honor Code. These principles help children understand the importance of respecting themselves and others, creating a safer and more respectful school environment. The Toley Ranz 10-Point Honor Code is designed to instill these values, teaching children to stand up for themselves and others in a respectful and constructive manner.
Learn more about how to improve responses to bullying by contacting us online today or calling
(928) 254-1879.
