If your child is suffering with stress caused by online bullying, you are within your rights to launch a complaint with the school. Bullying of any kind can have very damaging repercussions, therefore, it needs to be dealt with quickly and effectively. There are procedures in place to deal with both of these sets of circumstances.
The law surrounding online bullying
Online or cyber bullying is a relatively recent phenomenon and one which is sadly on the increase. The online bullying charity, the Cybersmile Foundation reports that as many as one in three children have suffered from some form of cyber bullying. It has been linked to teenage depression, self-harming and in worst-case scenarios, some children have even taken their own lives.
Because of the rise in cyber bullying incidences, schools, social services and police are beginning to take it much more seriously and there is a more stringent network of support for children and parents who are suffering because of it.
At the moment, although there is no law that relates specifically to bullying, it can include any of the following:
- physical assault or violence of any kind
- hate crimes
- theft
- sustained harassment or intimidation, which might include threats and name-calling, but also extends to the use of abusive texts, emails or phone messages
All state schools in the UK are legally obliged to have an official policy preventing all types of bullying, as well as adhering to broader anti-discrimination laws.
What can you do if online bullying has affected your child?
The first thing you must do is speak to your child's teacher and head teacher about the bullying. Obtain a copy of the school's official complaints procedure and follow it as closely as possible. As well as speaking to representatives of your child's school, you should also make a complaint in writing.
Once they have investigated your claims, the school should respond by disciplining the bullies and if the circumstances are particularly serious, they may also choose to involve social services or the local police. You may feel like contacting the police yourself, particularly if the bullying entails any kind of violence, repeated intimidation, harassment or a hate crime of any sort, but if at all possible, speak to your child's school first. Your case against the perpetrators will be stronger if you have the school on your side. It will also be easier to make a case for your child's exam results being called into question if the school accept that bullying has taken place.
If you require any assistance or support at any stage in this process, Match Solicitors have a team of specialist education Solicitors who have a great deal of experience in this kind of situation. We can help you prepare your case and can challenge the school if you feel they have not responded appropriately to your child's situation.
