What policies are required in Washington State Schools to protect student from bullying?

December 20, 2021
students bullying

Washington State has a host of codes protecting students from bullying at school. These codes protect everything, running from the way data is aggregated to methods for prohibiting harassment and bullying, to responding to students who seem to be in distress due to bullying, sexual abuse, or retaliation. 

What Are Some Examples of School Bullying?

Bullying can take many forms:

  • Cyberbullying
  • Prejudicial bullying
  • Physical abuse
  • Sexual abuse
  • Name-calling
  • Unwanted teasing
  • Relational aggression 

What Rights Does My Child Have if They Are Bullied?

Bullying can be stopped without resorting to litigious action on some occasions, but it must be dealt with swiftly by parents, teachers, mentors, and other adults. If the message is sent loudly and clearly that bullying will not be accepted, it often stops. However, when children get the sense that they can continue bullying without any negative consequences, then the bullying of others is likely to continue. 

If your child is bullied, you have a right to notify school officials, and to have the issue addressed quickly. If parents attempt to resolve a bullying issue at their school and have no success, then there are laws that protect children from further bullying. A Seattle school bullying attorney may help. You may need to take legal action against bullying in schools.

House Bill 144 states that school administrators, faculty, staff, and volunteers can demonstrate appropriate behavior, treat others with respect and honor, and refuse to tolerate harassment, intimidation, or bullying when they see it happening in real-time.

What are Schools Responsibilities if Students are Being Bullied?

Schools are encouraged to have a publicly displayed policy of intolerance of bullying and to follow it equally for everyone. They are also encouraged to report incidences of bullying or intimidation to parents by students or other staff who observe the bullying and to rectify the situation quickly. As a parent, you may need to seek legal counsel to protect your child from bullying.

At Albert Law PLLC, Education Attorneys in Seattle WA handle issues like these with some frequency. We encourage you to contact us at 206-576-8044 with civil rights-related issues like these. As Seattle education lawyers, it is our strong belief that every child deserves a safe place to get an education.