NC Boy Goes Back to School In Spite of Bullying Caused by Backpack

School officials in Buncombe, North Carolina, have agreed to allow a 9-year-old boy back in school, despite earlier fears that his “My Little Ponies” brand backpack would cause bullying.

The boy’s family said that their son was originally prevented from taking his backpack into Candler Elementary School because administrators were afraid it would make him a target of bullying.

“We are pleased the school system is working closely with us,” Noreen Bruce, the student’s mother, said after Thursday’s meeting.

“We had a real heart-to-heart talk,” she said after the meeting with Superintendent Tony Baldwin and director of student services David Thompson. Bruce said that, in their meeting, she agreed to help Thompson organize a parent advisory council on bullying, so that parents and administrators have a method of handling bullying and to prevent it from becoming physical or chronic.

A recent study from the Boston Children’s Division of General Pediatrics showed that students exposed to bullying, especially long-term, often suffered serious physical and mental problems later in life. Victims of bullying had more depression symptoms than their peers, and lower self-esteem. They reported having difficulty doing “normal kid things” including playing sports or engaging in other physical activities. Kids that reported that they were chronically bullied were 45% more likely to have depression symptoms, compared with 31% for kids who reported “current” bullying, and 12% of kids who reportedly had been bullied in the past only.

Of students who had never been picked on, just 6% reported depression symptoms.

“Every situation with young children is a teachable moment and we will use this example in our efforts to address a wider issue of bullying. We ask for everyone’s patience and understanding as we continue to work collaboratively with the family toward a resolution,” a statement from the school said.

South Carolina Anti-Bullying Laws

In December 2006, the South Carolina General Assembly passed a law to prevent bullying, known as “The Safe School Climate Act.” The goal of the law is to put policies and procedures in place to prevent school bullying, intimidation or harassment.

While it is important to have safe guards in place to prevent school bullying, what is the school district’s liability if, in fact, a student is injured or taunted by a bully, or even worse, commits suicide? While The Safe School Climate Act does not create a private right of action for a victim of student bullying, it does not preempt a student from pursuing a civil action under another law.

The Strom Law Firm Can Help with Personal Injury Cases Involving Bullying

Lawsuits against bullying are increasing in the United States. Parents are doing their best to hold schools accountable for their children’s safety. It is important to take steps to resolve the issue to the best of your ability, but if your child has been bullied and you think school officials are not listening to your or taking your claims seriously, you may need to consider alternative action. Please contact the experienced lawyers at Strom Law, LLC, today. We offer free consultations to discuss the details of your case.803.252.4800.