Understanding What Counts as Bullying in Schools

 Posted on July 01, 2024 in Juvenile Crimes

Finding out that your child has been accused of bullying can be shocking and concerning. In Connecticut, as a parent, it is essential to understand what constitutes bullying so you can effectively address the situation. Bullying in schools encompasses many behaviors, each serious and deserving of attention. If your child is facing juvenile bullying charges, an experienced lawyer can protect your child's rights and work to obtain a positive case outcome.

Verbal Assaults and Threats of Violence

Verbal assaults are arguably one of the most common forms of bullying in schools. This can include name-calling, taunting, and making derogatory remarks about another student. When these verbal attacks escalate to violence, the situation becomes even more severe. Threats can bring about significant emotional distress and fear, affecting the victim's ability to feel safe in a school environment. It is crucial for parents to understand that verbal assaults and threats of violence are not "just words" but can have much further-reaching consequences.

Abusive Language and Hate Speech

Abusive language takes bullying to another level by targeting specific aspects of a person's identity. This can range from racial slurs to homophobic remarks or even comments about someone's appearance. Hate speech, in particular, aims to demean or belittle someone based on his or her race, religion, gender, or other protected characteristics.

Schools often have strict policies against hate speech because it not only affects the targeted person but can also create a hostile environment for other students. If your child has been accused of using abusive language or hate speech, it is vital to address the specific words or terms involved and understand their severe implications.

Cyberbullying is a Common Form of Modern-Day Bullying

In today's digital age, bullying has found a new channel through the internet and social media platforms. Cyberbullying involves using electronic communication to harass, threaten, or humiliate another student. Examples include sending threatening messages, posting harmful content online, or spreading rumors through social media.

Cyberbullying can be especially harmful because it happens beyond the school's physical boundaries and can occur around the clock. It is also typically easier to document than other forms of bullying. For example, suppose a student posted something nasty about another student on Facebook. This example of cyberbullying features a message that can be saved and shared, which helps prove the cyberbullying actually happened. This is different from in-person bullying, which may be harder to prove as less direct evidence exists. 

What You as a Parent Can Do

If your child is accused of bullying, the first step is to gather all the facts. Speak with school officials to understand the specific behaviors in question. Open a dialogue with your child to hear his or her side of the story and explain the seriousness of the accusations. Work together with the school to develop a plan for addressing the behavior, which may include counseling, disciplinary actions, or educational programs on empathy and respect.

Contact Our Fairfield County, CT Juvenile Defense Attorney

If your child has been accused of bullying or is even facing charges, our Stamford, CT juvenile defense lawyer with Law Offices of Daniel P. Weiner can help. Call 203-348-5846 for a free consultation.