NYC School Bullying: What Parents Can Do When Schools Fail to Act

Michele Mirman | Abuse Awareness | November 9, 2026

When your child says, “I don’t want to go to school,” parents listen. Sometimes the reason is a test or a difficult day. But when the fear comes from threats, teasing, exclusion, or physical attacks, that child needs help.

Bullying is not normal, and it is not a normal part of growing up. Your child deserves to be heard, protected, and supported, and when bullying happens at school, it’s the school’s job to make it stop. Your child deserves to feel safe at school. If bullying puts that safety at risk, Mirman, Markovits & Landau can help you understand your options and take steps to protect your child.

The Harm Is Real

Bullying leaves bruises, many that cannot be seen. Children may become anxious, lose sleep, stop eating, withdraw from friends and family, struggle in class, or stop enjoying activities they once loved. The CDC warns that bullying can cause physical injury, emotional distress, depression, self-harm, and falling grades.

Parents recognize these changes before a school does. Trust what you are seeing—and what your child is telling you.

We Know What Schools Should Be Doing

A recent Long Island case shows exactly why early school action matters. In November 2026, police say a 15-year-old stabbed a 16-year-old outside Sachem High School East on Long Island. The younger student’s family claims he had been bullied and retaliated, according to the CBS News report.

Violence is never the answer, and adults should not wait until fear becomes a crisis.

New York’s Dignity for All Students Act requires all K–12 public, charter, BOCES, and special schools to respond to bullying and reports of bullying. Schools cannot do nothing.

They must:

• Listen carefully and take every report seriously
• Investigate promptly, including messages, videos, and prior complaints
• Protect the targeted child instead of placing the burden on that child to take care of him or herself, change seats, stay away from the bully, or protect him or herself
• Increase supervision and separate students when needed
• Provide counseling and a clear safety plan
• Follow up to make sure the bullying has stopped

Too often, these clear and mandatory steps are not taken, leaving children exposed to more harm and injury.

You Do Not Have to Handle This Alone

Write down what happened and when. Save screenshots, emails, photographs, medical records, and witness names. Report the problem in writing to the principal and the school’s Dignity Act Coordinator. If the bullying continues, if the school does nothing, or if the school does too little and leaves your child unprotected, report it again and take action.

For years, Mirman, Markovits & Landau has helped New York families with school injuries, bullying, assaults, inadequate supervision, and negligent security. We know what your children are going through, and we understand what schools should do and how to help families seek protection and accountability.

Your child should not have to become their own protector. If the school is not listening, we will. We are here to help.

Learn how Mirman, Markovits & Landau can help with a New York City school injury. Call 212-227-4000 for a free case review.