Reporting School Bullying
Reporting a crime and knowing the appropriate course of action are essential elements in sentencing a school bullying that meets the characteristics of a crime. The danger that the situation will not be addressed is not only that the act will go unpunished, but also that it will be repeated over time.
School bullying is a serious problem that still affects many children every single day. Fortunately, the struggle to end situations like this has gained more and more strength. Today, it is possible for both parents and educational institutions to take measures to protect the schooling of children and young people. In addition, the law obliges educational institutions to find a contingency plan to deal with these situations.
School bullying must be tackled from the root, effectively and in a timely manner. Otherwise, victims may suffer serious physical and mental harm from school bullying, which can lead to suicide in the worst case. Moreover, the consequences of school bullying are not limited to those who are bullied.
If harassment is not reported, violent behavior becomes a habit for bullies. Indeed, several studies have shown that in many cases of bullying where misbehavior has not been punished or re-directed, the bully has also grown into a violent adult (Olweus, 2011; Temcheff, Serbin, 2008).
Reporting a school bullying
Under the Education Act, schools have a responsibility to protect students from the dangers they may potentially face within the institution. Of course, these dangers also include bullying at school. Therefore, when an educational institution or parents find that a minor is suffering from possible bullying at school, it is paramount that the school is required to take action to address the situation. In addition to this, the aggressive behavior of the bully or bullies should also be punished.
This step is very important. If an educational institution does not take its legal responsibility for bullying and protecting a student, it is possible for the educational institution to file a complaint with the regional government agency. Protecting minors and ensuring the safety of victims of bullying are the responsibilities of the educational institution, as the school is assumed to be a safe environment for every minor.
It is possible for guardians to hold the institution accountable in situations where minor victims have been bullied for a long time and whose safety at the institution has not been able to protect. One of the most talked about cases happened in 2016, when a woman from Vantaa sued her son in the city of Vantaa for years of bullying and assault, which, according to her mother, the school had not intervened in. The woman claimed damages of € 20,000 in court, but the claims were eventually rejected for lack of evidence.
Nevertheless, in cases where the school does not take appropriate measures or their implementation is not sufficient to end the school bullying, parents should contact either the above-mentioned regional government agency or another authority such as the police.
Reporting a crime: what happens in these situations?
If school bullying falls into the hands of the authorities, the case is first investigated to obtain possible evidence. If there is evidence of bullying or other harassment at school, the matter is transferred to the social authorities, as it is harassment of minors. In extremely serious cases, where the bullying meets the criteria for a crime, the proceedings can be transferred to the juvenile prosecutor.
School bullying often involves criminal behavior such as intimidation and physical aggression.
If the bullying cannot be controlled by any means, school bullying that meets the characteristics of a crime can also be taken to court. Depending on the seriousness of the acts, the perpetrator can be held liable for damages, ie fines or, in the case of a bully over the age of 15, even criminal liability.
Compensation is usually paid by the bully himself, his parents or another guardian responsible for the minor. In cases where there has been a significant failure to ensure the safety of a pupil who has been bullied, it is also possible to seek compensation directly from the city.
Nevertheless, we must not forget that the real goal is to end school bullying, and reporting a crime is not always the only and right solution. A minor who has been subjected to school bullying must be able to feel free from the power of bullying and intimidation that the bully or bully had hitherto held.
How to work at home
Trust and gaining continued family support are both fundamental factors that can greatly influence how a minor handles the problem internally. It is important that the child is heard within the family, as children tend to talk about things more clearly when they feel safe. Therefore, it is not recommended that the story told by the child be suspected under any circumstances. In this situation, efforts must be made to act calmly and prudently.
Bullying can have serious consequences and can damage a child’s self-esteem in particular. Traumatic stress disorder, depression, and in the most severe cases, even suicidal behavior are also possible.
Therefore, many of the symptoms of school bullying and their treatment may require the help of a professional. These symptoms tend to be reflected in changes in, for example, declining school performance, fear of going to school, or a depressed and anxious mood. In these cases , it is necessary to consult an expert.
