Nearly one in four students have reported being bullied. While some adults think of bullying as just harsh words, it can have a devastating and even life-long impact on children and families.
Hollywood schools (and all Florida schools) have an obligation to provide a safe environment for children. If they fail to address bullying or allow it to happen, they can be held liable. If you’re facing this situation and want to learn more, reach out to Flaxman Law Group at 866-352-9626. The family-based legal team at our Miami, Homestead, and Hollywood offices are happy to provide free accident consultations for you with a Hollywood childhood injury claims attorney so you can discuss your specific situation.
What Injuries Happen Because of Bullying?
Bullying can cause serious and even potentially fatal injuries, including:
- Physical Injuries. Physical bullying may lead to visible injuries like bruises, cuts, or scratches. In extreme cases, it can escalate to the point of causing fractures, life-threatening head injuries, spinal cord injuries, and other serious injuries. Physical injuries sustained in bullying incidents can be permanent, affecting a child’s future prospects and resulting in a lifetime of additional medical needs.
- Psychological and Emotional Impact. Bullying can cause depression and anxiety in children. Children who are affected may have low self-esteem and confidence. They may isolate themselves socially, leading to loneliness and alienation. In some cases, they can even develop Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
- Psychosomatic Symptoms. The stress and anxiety of bullying can manifest in symptoms such as headaches or stomach aches. It can also disrupt a child’s sleep patterns, leading to insomnia or other sleep-related issues.
- Academic Impact. Children who are bullied may avoid going to school to escape the harassment. This and the emotional toll of bullying can negatively impact a child’s concentration and academic performance. Low grades that result from bullying can limit a child’s future prospects and future earning potential.
- Self-Harm. Severe cases of bullying can lead some children to engage in self-harming behaviors as a way to cope–or even suicidal thoughts and attempts.
- Social Skills Impairment. Children who experience bullying may develop difficulties in forming and maintaining healthy social relationships. This can affect the quality of a child’s life over a lifetime.
- Online Reputational Harm. Today, a lot of bullying happens online and untrue rumors or damaging comments about a child can stay on the Internet permanently, affecting their future relationships, career opportunities, and life.
Your Rights As a Parent
If a school fails to act when bullying is reported or provides inadequate supervision, which allows bullying and injuries to happen, they can be held liable. In addition, some parents may be able to make claims under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, 20 U.S.C. Sec. 1681 (this is in situations where a child’s rights have been violated).
If your child was injured or harmed as a result of bullying, call Flaxman Law Group at 866-352-9626 to schedule a no-obligation case consultation with a childhood injury claims attorney. Our father-son attorney team is committed to helping families who have suffered injury and we’re here for you.