My 8yr old daughter is being bullied at school by another girl in her class. Last year and so far this year its been getting worse. Bullying is physical and verbal and written. Bully pinned my daughter up in the playground around her neck and school dis nothi g about it and protected bully.
Ive had numerous meetings with the teachers and Principal. Frankly the school is all about protecting the bully and not my child.
My daughter is no longer safe on the playground and needs to be with a teacher at all times to be protected from this kid. Should also mention this kid is physically harming the teacher too.
Its to the point we needs to move schools for my daughters safety which is our no.1 focus. Moving schools means the bully wins and shell just choose another kid to pick on. She has no consequances for her actions and my daughter is devastated at the thought of leaving her friends behind.
My question is has anyone else had to move schools to get away from a bully?
How did your child cope?
How can i escalate my concerns to the education department?
Is there a process to follow?
Thanks
6 Replies
I’d move my child. I’d involve dept of education, and FACS.
I’d also see the parents, but that’s just me...I’m a bit old school and feel if the psrents know they can help.
There’s likely abuse and dysfunction going on at home
The department of education do have a website - google education department + your state and you should find it. There should be an email address to contact them.
Another idea (if you don't get a prompt response from education dept) is speaking to your local member of parliament, I know someone who had to do this and things finally started getting dealt with.
It's a heartbreaking situation all round, your poor child being the victim of this and you've got to wonder what's going on in the perpetrating child's life to exhibit such violent and relentless bullying.
In WA each area has a district office, so if you weren't happy with your school after going right up to the principal, you would contact the district office to have it dealt with. If still not happy you could take it to the State head office.
Given the way they seem to not be doing much about her I'm going to guess that this child may already have Childrens Services involved, or the school is trying to get them involved and trying to build a case for them to take action. It might seem like theres nothing going on but there could be an army behind this child but due to confidentiality they can't even hint to you what is going on.
I am a teacher, and sometimes our hands are tied (no excuse but just the way it is). I only know what you can do in Queensland, so if that's the case, insist on seeing your daughter's OneSchool records. All teachers and administration staff must make a record of behaviour on a system called OneSchool. ALL reported incidents should have been documented (this even include ones that your student has reported to a teacher). If they aren't reported, or they refuse to provide you with copies, lodge a complaint here. https://www.qld.gov.au/education/schools/information/contact/pages/compl...
Once you have your daughter's records, take her to a GP and have her anxiety assessed and counselling started.
THEN contact the regional office. Once you have documented proof of trauma, they HAVE to listen and act.
I'm so sorry your baby is going through this. You're one tough parent. Fight the fight for her. xo
Assuming it’s a public school, google your state’s dept of ed, and contact your local office. Ask for name and email of the regional director (boss of the principals). Put your complaint in writing, and cc the ed minister and your local MP. Set a time line of when they need to respond to you by. I would also see if there’s a dept within the police who could advise you, I’d be getting as much information as I could, I’m thinking an AVO but don’t know much about it all
I’d also engage an advocate, someone to attend meetings with you and support you through it all