A New Story Β· Free Parent Tool Β· ages ~10β14 (useful any age)
When your child is bullied for being different
Watching your child get hurt β and feeling like the school shrugs β is one of the worst parts of this road. But here's what most parents are never told: when a child is bullied or harassed because of their disability, the school is legally required to act. This tool helps you do the two things that actually force a response: document every incident, and put it in writing. Everything saves privately on this device.
What the law says β in plain English
Your child has the right to be safe at school. When a child with a disability is bullied or harassed because of that disability, the school must respond β ignoring it can count as denying your child a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) under Section 504 and the ADA.
If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, ongoing bullying that affects their learning or wellbeing is a valid reason to call the team together to address safety and add supports.
You have the right to report in writing, get the school's anti-bullying policy, request a meeting, and receive a written response.
If the school won't act, you can escalate β to the district, your state Department of Education, and the U.S. Dept. of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR).
Your next moves
Log each incident below β dates and details are your power.
Report in writing β generate the letter at the bottom.
Ask for a meeting + a written response from the school.
If nothing changes, escalate (district β state β OCR).
Log an incident
Take action
Your log saves on this device. To keep a copy or switch devices:
This helps you organize and document your own concerns β it's educational/advocacy support, not legal advice. For a formal civil-rights complaint or legal action, an expert or attorney can help.