Phoenix AZ School Bullying Lawyer

School Violence

Arizona schools have a duty protect students from a foreseeable risk of harm. In a recent survey done by the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS), school was the most common setting for nonfatal violent victimizations (rape, sexual assault, robbery, aggravated assault, and simple assault) of youths aged 12-17. The riskiest period for students is after school, between the hours of 3p.m. and 6 p.m. Schools are required to take reasonable steps to prevent violence from happening while your child is in its care and to keep your child safe. Failure to keep your child safe may result in the school being liable for the losses suffered as a result of violence at school.

Bullying

Bullying is a serious problem in schools. Studies show that between 15-20% of U.S. students are bullied with some frequency. According to the National Education Association, 160,000 children stay home from school each day to avoid torment by other children at school. Children have a right to a safe environment so that they may learn and grow without fear. Failure to provide this atmosphere can have tragic consequences. School can be held liable for their failure to provide a safe learning environment if they have not taken reasonable steps to prevent bullying.

Hazing

Sports teams and other organizations sometimes haze new members as part of the initiation to the team. Often the hazing involves acts of physical violence and degradation. These initiation rights can be part of a long standing tradition.  Hazing is illegal and schools are required to take active steps to prevent hazing and keep students safe.

Teacher/Staff Misconduct

Most teachers are caring, giving individuals, but not all. Some teachers and staff are predators. Schools have a duty to check the background of employees. They have a duty to take reasonable steps to monitor and supervise the activities of their staff to make sure your children are safe. Schools may be liable for the criminal actions of their employees if they have failed to adequately check the employee’s background or continued to employ someone who was unfit to be around your child.