Silent Suffering in Kentucky: How Bullying Targets Special Needs Children—and What’s Being Overlooked

By Editorial Staff | Somerset-Pulaski County Advocate

Image Mikhail Nilov / Pexels

Op-Ed (SPA)---In every classroom and every school hallway, there is a fundamental expectation of safety and inclusion. Yet, for some of Kentucky's most vulnerable students—those with special needs—this expectation is often not met. Bullying remains a pervasive and insidious issue, targeting children who may be unable to defend themselves, articulate their experiences, or even recognize the abuse as it occurs. This is a problem that requires urgent attention, not just from schools but from the caregivers who are their first and most important advocates.¹

Children with disabilities, particularly those with conditions that affect social skills or communication, are at a significantly higher risk of being bullied. They may be singled out for their differences, exploited for their trusting nature, or simply not understand the social cues that could help them navigate a difficult situation. The effects are devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, a decline in academic performance, and in severe cases, physical harm.

While Kentucky law and school policies mandate a zero-tolerance approach to bullying, the reality on the ground can be different. The burden often falls on parents and caregivers to initiate the process and ensure their child is protected.² Fortunately, there are clear, actionable steps that can be taken to address this issue and hold schools accountable.

Steps for Caregivers to Take:

1. Document Everything: The most powerful tool a caregiver has is a paper trail. Keep a detailed log of every incident: the date, time, location, who was involved, and what happened. Include any physical evidence, such as damaged belongings or screenshots of cyberbullying. If a school administrator or teacher is contacted, document the date and content of that conversation.

2. Formal Communication is Key: Do not rely solely on verbal conversations. Once an incident is identified, write a formal letter to the school principal or the district's special education coordinator.³Clearly state that your child is being bullied and that you are filing a formal complaint. Refer to your child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan and explain how the bullying is interfering with their ability to receive a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE), a right protected by federal law.⁴

    

3. Request an Immediate IEP/504 Meeting: If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, you have the right to call an emergency meeting. At this meeting, you can demand that new provisions be added to the plan to address the bullying. This could include a formal safety plan, a change in classroom placement, or a requirement for staff training on inclusive practices. The school is legally obligated to address how the bullying is impacting your child's education.⁵

    

4. Know Your Rights and Seek Outside Support: If the school's response is insufficient, caregivers have additional options. You can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR), which investigates discrimination complaints based on disability.⁶ Organizations like the Kentucky Special Parent Involvement Network (KY-SPIN) and the Kentucky Department of Education’s Parent and Family Toolbox can provide invaluable guidance and resources.⁷

Bullying is not a rite of passage; it is an act of aggression that violates a child's right to safety and dignity. For children with special needs, the stakes are even higher. By being persistent, meticulously documenting every step, and using the resources available to them, caregivers can become powerful advocates, not only for their own children but for a more inclusive and compassionate school environment for all.

If you or someone you know is being bullied, you can report it below:

https://homelandsecurity.ky.gov/SafeSchools/Pages/default.aspx

Sad or scared? Call the S.T.O.P! Tipline to report bullying, physical or sexual abuse, if someone threatens to bring a gun to school, a student in a living situation where there are illegal drugs or addiction, concern about a possible suicide, or anything else you’ve seen or heard that’s bothering you. And you only have to leave your name and number if you want to. 866) 393-6659. Sad or scared? Call the S.T.O.P! Tipline to report bullying, physical or sexual abuse, if someone threatens to bring a gun to school, a student in a living situation where there are illegal drugs or addiction, concern about a possible suicide, or anything else you've seen or heard that's bothering you.