Failure to Address Bullying

Is Your Child Suffering Due to a School's Failure to Address Bullying in Arizona?

Bullying can have devastating and long-lasting effects on a child’s emotional, psychological, and physical well-being. Schools and other institutions in Arizona have a responsibility to create a safe environment and to take reasonable steps to prevent and address bullying. When they fail in this duty, and a child suffers harm as a result, the institution may be held liable. AZ Law Now Injury Attorneys is committed to protecting children and holding schools accountable for failing to address bullying effectively.
No child should have to endure the torment of bullying, especially when those in authority fail to intervene.

Understanding a School's Responsibility to Address Bullying in Arizona

Arizona law (e.g., A.R.S. § 15-341(A)(36)) requires school districts to adopt and enforce policies and procedures to prohibit pupils from harassing, intimidating, and bullying other pupils on school grounds, on school property, on school buses, at school bus stops, and at school-sponsored events and activities.
This legal duty implies that schools must:

Have clear anti-bullying policies in place.
Properly supervise students.
Investigate reports of bullying thoroughly and promptly.
Take appropriate disciplinary action against bullies.
Implement measures to protect victims from further bullying.
Provide support and resources for victims of bullying.

A school’s failure to address bullying can be a form of negligence if it can be shown that the school knew or should have known about the bullying and failed to take reasonable steps to stop it, leading to further harm to the victim.

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Harm Caused by Unaddressed Bullying

The failure to address bullying can lead to severe consequences for the victim, including:

Physical injuries from assaults.
Lowered self-esteem.
Decline in academic performance.
School avoidance or fear of going to school.
Sleep disturbances and eating disorders.
In extreme cases, self-harm or suicidal ideation.
Increased anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.

Types of Bullying Schools Must Address

Physical Bullying

Hitting, kicking, pushing, tripping, damaging property.

Verbal Bullying

Teasing, name-calling, taunting, threats, inappropriate sexual comments.

Social/Relational Bullying

Spreading rumors, intentional exclusion, public humiliation.

Cyberbullying

Bullying that takes place using electronic technology (e.g., social media, text messages, emails). Arizona law often requires school policies to address cyberbullying, especially if it creates a hostile school environment.

What to Do If Your Child is a Victim of Unaddressed Bullying

Support Your Child:

Listen to your child and reassure them that they are not to blame.

Document Everything:

Keep a detailed record of all bullying incidents, including dates, times, locations, names of bullies and witnesses, and the nature of the bullying. Save any emails, texts, social media posts, or other evidence.

Report Bullying in Writing:

Formally report the bullying to the school principal, teachers, and counselors according to the school’s policy. Keep copies of all correspondence.

Follow Up:

Keep track of the school’s response (or lack thereof). If the bullying continues, report it again in writing.

Seek Medical and Psychological Support:

Ensure your child receives any necessary medical treatment or counseling.

Review School Policies:

Familiarize yourself with the school district’s anti-bullying policy.

Contact AZ Law Now Injury Attorneys:

If the school fails to take appropriate action and your child continues to suffer, an experienced attorney can help you understand your legal options.

When Can a School or Institution Be Held Liable?

Liability for failure to address bullying may arise if:

The school had actual knowledge of the bullying (e.g., it was reported by the victim, parents, or other students).
The school should have known about the bullying (constructive knowledge), meaning it was so pervasive or obvious that reasonable staff would have been aware.
The school's response to the bullying was clearly unreasonable, inadequate, or deliberately indifferent.
The failure to adequately address the bullying caused the victim to suffer further harm (physical, emotional, or educational).

This can also apply to other institutions responsible for children, such as camps or youth organizations, if they have a similar duty of care.

Statute of Limitations in Arizona

For personal injury claims, including those arising from a school’s failure toaddress bullying, the statute of limitations is generally two years from the date the harm occurred or was reasonably discovered.

Crucial Note for Claims Against Public Schools: Public schools
are government entities. You must file a formal Notice of Claim with the school district within 180 days of the incident (or when the harm was realized), and a lawsuit must typically be filed within one year. Failing to meet these deadlines will likely prevent you from recovering damages.

How AZ Law Now Injury Attorneys Can Help

AZ Law Now Injury Attorneys understands the profound impact bullying has on children and families. We can:

Provide a free, confidential consultation to discuss your child's situation.
Investigate the school's knowledge of the bullying and the adequacy of its response.
Advise you on your legal rights and options for holding the school accountable.
Help you navigate the strict requirements for claims against public entities.
Fight for compensation for your child's medical expenses, therapy costs, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Work to ensure the school implements changes to protect other students.

Protect Your Child. Contact AZ Law Now Today

If your child has been harmed because a school or institution failed to address bullying, take action. Contact AZ Law Now to stand up for your child’s rights.