Call Us Now
e-Mail Us Now
Bullying is an all too common experience for youth today. In a 2019 study, rates of bullying among teens were as high as 22%. (National Center for Education Statistics and Bureau of Justice). The link between bullying and suicide among adolescents is scary, making it the second leading cause of death for 10-24-year-olds. A 2021 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) shows that 15.9% of high school students experience cyberbullying. Stopbullying.gov calls this bullycide -bullying that leads to suicide.
Impact on Marginalized Communities
Bullying and suicide, particularly within marginalized groups such as lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) youth, are alarming. Recent research from Rutgers Health highlights these trends: LGB adolescents face significantly higher rates of suicidal thoughts and attempts, with these rates doubling compared to their heterosexual peers. The situation is even more dire for Black LGB adolescents, who have experienced an increase in both suicidal ideation and attempts over the past decade. Based on data from the NYC Youth Risk Behavior Survey, these findings emphasize the urgent need for targeted interventions. Andreozzi + Foote represents a family whose transgender child’s bullying led to suicide.
Bullying is a Mental Health Crisis
Bullying, both in school and online, is a significant contributing factor to these mental health crises. For Black and Latina/o/x LGB adolescents, the rates have risen, correlating with increased suicidality. This stands in stark contrast to their white LGB counterparts, who have seen a decline in both bullying and suicidal behaviors. The disparity underscores the importance of addressing bullying as a public health priority, especially for the most vulnerable populations. While all 50 states address the issues differently in law, our schools need to be doing more to prevent bullying, as only a handful of states require anti-bullying education in school. There is no federal law addressing bullying. When bullying leads to suicide among teens, families and communities suffer.
How Civil Lawsuits Can Help Prevent Bullying
Andreozzi + Foote represents families impacted by these issues due to not having adequate intervention or protection by schools. Schools have a duty to protect our children. Civil lawsuits can address these issues by holding institutions accountable and driving systemic change. Families affected by the tragic consequences of bullying and suicide can use legal action to challenge inadequate school policies and demand better protections for their children. Successful lawsuits can lead to the implementation of comprehensive anti-bullying programs, stricter enforcement of existing policies, and the establishment of support systems for at-risk students.
Moreover, civil litigation can pressure lawmakers to prioritize the mental health and safety of all children, particularly those in marginalized communities. By drawing attention to the failures in current policies and the dire need for change, these lawsuits can help ensure that schools become safer environments where every child is protected and valued.
Civil lawsuits offer a powerful tool for families to drive policy changes and create safer, more inclusive schools. Contact us today for a free consultation. 1-866-753-5458
If you or a loved one is struggling with suicidal thoughts or mental health issues, you are not alone. Call or visit 988 today.
