A video showing two girls bullying and hitting a boy with autism at a Rowland Heights high school has drawn outrage not only online, but also from community members. According to a KTLA news report, the video shows the distressed boy surrounded by a group of girls who laugh while hitting and pulling at him. The boy in the video attempts to push and swat the girls away while crying.
Bullying on Campus
School administrators said they handled the situation promptly and disciplined the offenders. Even though they did not say how the girls were punished, students told KTLA that they were suspended from school for five days. Friends of the boy identified him as “Korvin” and say he is a “kind and sweet boy.” Family members and friends are posting on social media with the hashtag #JusticeforKorvin demanding that the girls be expelled instead of being let off with a five-day suspension.
Last month, a Los Angeles family filed a personal injury lawsuit against the school district alleging their 12-year-old son was left with permanent brain damage and spinal injuries after being choked and bullied on campus. In that case, the parents said the school had failed to take adequate action to protect her son, who suffered permanent and irreversible brain injury.
The Effects of Bullying
Bullying can have an impact on everyone including those who are bullied and those who see someone being bullied. Bullying is linked to many negative outcomes including impacts on mental health, substance abuse and suicide. It is critical to talk to children in order to determine whether bullying is a concern. Children who are bullied can experience negative physical, academic and mental health issues.
They are more likely to experience depression and anxiety, increased feelings of loneliness, changes in diet or sleep patterns and loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy. These children may also experience decreased academic achievement and are more likely to skip, miss or drop out of school. Some children may also retaliate through violent measures. In 12 out of 15 school shooting cases in the 1990s, the shooters had a history of being bullied.
Responsibility of School Administrators
School administrators have a responsibility and an obligation to protect children and make it their topmost priority to protect children. This means that they need to take prompt action to not just stop the bullying incident, but also to ensure that it doesn’t happen again.
If your child has suffered physical and/or emotional impacts due to bullying, please contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer to find out how you can pursue your legal rights. Taking legal action may also help stop bullying and prevent future incidents at your school.
Source: https://ktla.com/2019/09/06/video-of-girls-bullying-boy-with-autism-at-rowland-heights-high-school-draws-outrage/
