As a parent, it can be difficult to fully understand the experience that your child has at school. You may notice that your child’s behavior has changed and that they have become more withdrawn. This may give you cause for concern. If you suspect that your child is being bullied at school in Missouri, it is important that you approach the topic in the right way, letting them know that they are in a safe space to open up.

Bullying, both physical and verbal, can have a huge impact on a child’s life. While physical injuries can be clear evidence of abuse and can lead to action being taken, verbal abuse can, unfortunately, go under the radar. Verbal abuse can also have a severe impact on the mental well-being of a child, and such abuse should never be underestimated or tolerated.

If you believe that your child is being verbally abused at school and that the teachers are not taking the bullying seriously, you may want to consider what further action you can take. The following are some key considerations to make before filing a claim.

Consider whether the instance of bullying is a form of harassment

If your child is a member of a statutorily protected class due to their gender, race or disability, and the bullying is based on this protected class, the bullying may constitute harassment. This may give you the opportunity to make a liability claim for bullying under Title IX of the Civil Rights Act.

Bullying that is not harassment may require proof of negligence

If the bullying taking place is not a form of harassment, making a liability claim is likely to be more challenging. However, if you can show that teachers and administrators have been negligent in their duty to provide a safe environment for their students, you may be successful.

You may be able to hold the bully’s parents responsible

Under certain circumstances, it may be possible to hold the parents of an abusive child liable for the suffering they caused to your child.

There are many legal routes that you can take in order to get justice for your child in Missouri. No child should have to suffer any form of abuse.