Be sure to visit our Behavior Resources webpage to better understand the process.
Bullying effects everyone, not just the people on the receiving end. We’ve gathered a collection of articles to address many different areas of bullying.
If your child is being bullied it is helpful to have evidence showing this is the case – and a paper trail can be useful.
Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior among school aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time. Both kids who are bullied and who bully others may have serious, lasting problems.
Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place using electronic technology. Electronic technology includes devices and equipment such as cell phones and computers as well as communication tools including social media sites, text messages, chat, and websites.
No single factor puts a child at risk of being bullied or bullying others, but there are risk factors to consider.
- Children at Risk of Being Bullied, Children More Likely to Bully Others, Bullying and Youth with Disabilities , Teachers Who Bully
How you respond can make an impact on bullying over time. These articles can help you decide what to do.
- What To Do If Your Child IS the Bully, Be More Than A Bystander, Advice for Teens, How to Talk with Educators
When the bullying is based on the child’s disability, federal laws can also apply under Section 504, Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) and Americans with Disabilities Act. Parents should contact school staff each time their child informs them that he or she has been bullied. PACER Center has created template letters that parents may use as a guide for writing a letter to their child’s school (IEP or Section 504).
- Bullying and Harassment of Students with Disabilities- Five Important Facts including self advocacy tools
- The IEP and Bullying
- Dear Colleague Letter from Office of Civil Rights
Local school districts are responsible for implementing 504 Plans, a first step is to contact the Section 504 coordinator at your school. Section 504 complaints are handled by the Office of Civil Rights.
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How to File an OCR Complaint Short video from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights to assist the public in filing federal civil rights complaints.
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Michigan specific information:
- Michigan State Board of Education: Policy on Bullying
- Michigan State Board of Education: Model Anti-Bullying Policy (2020)
- Michigan’s Anti-Bullying Legislation- Matt’s Safe School Law (2011)
- Michigan’s Cyberbullying Crime Law (2018)
Additional resources:
