School Bullying Parent Guide

1. Listen & Document

Give your child space to explain what happened in their own words. Start a running incident log and record:

• Date, time, and location
• What happened
• Students involved and witnesses
• Adults who were present or notified
• How the incident affected your child
• What the school did in response

2. Save the Evidence

• Emails and text messages
• Social-media posts and screenshots
• Photos and videos
• School reports and disciplinary communications
• Attendance records
• Relevant IEP or 504 documents

3. Report Concerns in Writing

Include who was involved, what happened, when and where it occurred, witnesses, the impact on your child, and what you are asking the school to do. Ask the school to confirm receipt and explain the next steps.

4. Ask Specific Questions

• Who is responsible for responding to my report?
• What school or district policy applies?
• Will this complaint be investigated?
• When should I expect a response?
• What immediate measures will be considered to protect my child?
• How will the school monitor whether the problem continues?

5. Consider a Safety Plan

If there are ongoing safety concerns, ask about individualized measures such as a designated safe adult, safe location, reporting procedures, transition supports, arrival/dismissal procedures, lunch or recess considerations, and regular check-ins.

6. If Your Child Has an IEP or 504 Plan

If bullying is interfering with attendance, learning, behavior, emotional regulation, participation, or access to services, consider requesting a meeting with the educational team to review whether current supports remain appropriate.

• Is bullying affecting access to education?
• Are existing supports sufficient?
• Does the safety plan need review?
• Are additional accommodations, services, or assessment appropriate?

7. Watch for Changes

Pay attention to school avoidance, increased absences, declining grades, changes in friendships, fear of particular locations or students, damaged belongings, or significant emotional or behavioral changes. If you believe your child is in immediate danger, seek appropriate emergency assistance.

8. Incident Log

9. Follow Up After Calls or Meetings

Send a short email documenting your understanding of what was discussed, what the school agreed to do, and when you expect the next update. A contemporaneous written record can help keep everyone clear about next steps.

10. If the Problem Continues

Continue documenting new incidents and notify appropriate school personnel in writing. Ask what changes will be made to the current response or safety measures and review applicable district complaint procedures when necessary.

Questions for Your Next School Meeting

• What has the school documented?
• What steps have been taken?
• What immediate protections are in place?
• Who is my child's designated contact?
• What should my child do if another incident occurs?
• How will effectiveness be monitored?
• When will we review the situation again?
• Is this affecting my child's IEP or 504 needs?