SCHOOL BULLYING
The tragedy about these cases are that the majority of children who
experience this terrible dilemma often suffer in silence. It is important
that parents are vigilant, by keeping a close eye on their children.
Ask them questions about school,who there friends are etc. Keep a
diary of incidents and always report the matter to the school if you
feel concerned. Schools have a statutory obligation to have a properly
drawn up anti-bullying policy.
They equally have a responsibility to ensure that the policy is followed.
As well as responsibilities contained in statute, schools also have
a common law duty to protect children. In certain extreme cases where
schools have behaved wrongfully a claim for damages may lie against
the school. In such circumstances legal aid may be available to bring
proceedings in the county court against the school or the local authority.
A parent of a bullied child often face very difficult decisions. On
the one hand there is the obvious fear of sending their child to a
school at which they are being harmed, and the other being what would
become of them and their child in the event that they keep a child
home.
Under the present law parents will be aware that by keeping their
children from school they may be committing a criminal offence. These
days the government is intent on ensuring that parents who keep their
children from school without good reason should be punished . A number
of cases have been reported recently in which some parents have been
imprisoned for this offence. However this only adds to the dilemma
of what is the best thing to do.The first port of call must be the
school. If on the other hand the school do not appear to be taking
appropriate action then it is best to consult a solicitor.
Never leave it to chance that by keeping your child from school you
will escape prosecution. Equally it is dangerous to ignore the problems
that your child has at school because more often than not, if not
dealt with quickly, it will get worse. A parent should always seek
medical opinion also as your child may not be telling you everything.
In certain circumstances it might be possible to ask the local authority
to provide you child with home tuition. If in doubt about what to
do or your rights speak to one of our education lawyers who will be
happy to guide you through this difficult time. In these circumstances
a parent needs to be advised of the options open to them.
It may be that a change of school is preferred but what about school
transport ?
Speak to a specialist today on 029 20 706444. Never suffer
in silence.
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