Bullying & Harassment Law

According to stopbullying.gov, bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior among school-age children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time. Bullying includes actions such as making threats, spreading rumors, attacking someone physically or verbally, and intentionally excluding someone from a group. Bullying often occurs because of a child’s physical or learning disability, sexual orientation, physical appearance, or other categories protected by the law.

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Generally, children who are bullied have one or more of the following risk factors:

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• Are perceived as “different” from their peers

• Are perceived as weak or unable to defend themselves

• Are depressed, anxious, or have low self esteem

• Are less popular than others and have few friends

• Do not get along well with others, are seen as annoying or provoking, or antagonize others for attention

 

School staff, parents, and other adults must play an important role in preventing and properly responding to all forms of bullying. State law in Pennsylvania provides protection to all students who are subject to school bullying. If a student with a disability is being bullied, federal law requires schools to take immediate and appropriate action to investigate the issue and take the necessary steps to stop the bullying and prevent it from recurring.

 

Regardless of whether the student is being bullied based on a disability, schools must remedy the effects of bullying and the interference with the special education services that the student with a disability receives to ensure the student continues to receive a free appropriate public education.

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Attorney Zundel has the ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively with school districts, using her knowledge, expertise, and experience to achieve effective resolutions for all clients.

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Contact Zundel Law by either calling (412) 212-8356 or emailing info@zundellawpgh.com