Bullying and Your Child: Can the Law Protect Him?
As a parent, what is your stance on bullying? In the past, many parents have brushed it off, thinking of it as a rite of passage every child is simply forced to endure. But with some cases of bullying resulting in such serious consequences, every parent should have a plan.The Parent Teacher Association (PTA) offers some tips to parents to help children steer clear of and deal with bullying, including:
If Your Child Is the Bully
Unfortunately, you may find that your child is the one who is bullying. Although the consequences of bullying are not always indentified in many school policies, some punishments include suspension, expulsion, and, in extreme cases, criminal charges. In addition, for extreme cases of bullying, parents of victims may have legal recourse via civil lawsuits. Talk to your child's school administrator to find out what the policy is at his school.
If you suspect your child is a bully, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychology suggests ways to help him, such as:
You can find out more about bullying laws in your state by visiting HRSA's website. And for more information on how to deal with bullies, you can visit the PTA's website.




