25 Apr School Bullying: Legal Remedies and Courses of Action for Parents
School bullying is a serious social phenomenon affecting thousands of students in Greece. Addressing it requires coordinated efforts from the educational community, parents, and the state. In this article, we examine the legal actions parents can take when their child experiences bullying incidents at school.
Definition of School Bullying under Greek Law
According to Article 4 of Law 5029/2023, “school-based violence and bullying” refers to any form of physical, verbal, psychological, emotional, social, racist, sexual, electronic, cyber, or other violence and delinquent behavior that affects the school community and disrupts the educational process.
Specifically, the law recognizes the following as forms of school-based violence and bullying:
- Insult to the student’s dignity, honor, and reputation
- Systematic, intentional, or repeated threats and attacks on a student’s personality, physical integrity, or mental well-being
- Unwanted, aggressive behavior occurring between school-aged children, involving a real or perceived power imbalance
- Disruption of the regular conduct of classes and violent exclusion of students from the educational process
- Social exclusion, threats, and psychological abuse
- Insult, discrimination, or harassment based on religious beliefs, ethnic origin, race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or other characteristics
Legal Framework for Addressing School Bullying
Greece has established a comprehensive legal framework for the prevention and management of school-based violence and bullying. Law 5029/2023 is the main legislative instrument regulating these issues, further supplemented by ministerial decisions detailing the required procedures and measures.
Digital Reporting Platform
One of the most significant tools available to parents is the dedicated digital platform for reporting incidents of school-based violence and bullying. According to Article 6 of Law 5029/2023, this platform is managed by the Institute of Computer Technology and Publications (CTI) “Diophantus.”
Parents and legal guardians may submit identified reports, while students can submit both identified and anonymous reports. Access to the platform is secured via individual login credentials.
According to Article 12 of the law, user authentication is conducted using credentials from the General Secretariat for Information Systems of Public Administration (GSIS) through the National Communication Registry for parents/guardians, and the Greek School Network (GSN) for students.
Designated Personnel and Handling Procedures
Responsible Reporting Officers in Schools
Article 7 of Law 5029/2023 designates specific school personnel responsible for receiving reports of bullying and school-based violence.
- In primary education, the responsible parties are the School Principal or Head Teacher and a designated educator.
- In secondary education, the Principal is supported by a designated School Life Advisor.
Duties of Designated Personnel
Under Article 9 of the Law, responsible school personnel must:
- Serve as a point of contact, information, and support within the school community
- Implement educational initiatives, programs, meetings, and awareness events
- Address incidents of school violence and bullying in direct and ongoing communication with the four-member action group of the Education Directorate
These individuals are supported by all available school staff, including members of the Interdisciplinary Support Committee (ISC), psychologists, and social workers.
Four-Member Action Groups
According to Ministerial Decision 35692/GD4/2024, each Education Directorate operates a four-member action group, which can provide guidance on how to handle, address, and prevent serious incidents of school-based violence.
In exceptional cases, the action group may take exclusive responsibility for handling an incident, logging all relevant actions and findings in the digital reporting platform.
What Can Parents Do?
Immediate Communication with the School
Parents should first contact the designated reporting officers at their child’s school (i.e., the Principal and designated educator in primary schools, or the Principal and School Life Advisor in secondary schools). It is essential to clearly describe the incident and request immediate school intervention.
Submit an Identified Report via the Platform
Parents may file an identified report through the official digital platform. This report should include all relevant details regarding the incident.
Contact the Four-Member Action Group
If the school’s response is unsatisfactory, parents may contact the action group of the local Education Directorate, which can intervene and offer instructions for further handling of the case.
Participate in Awareness and Information Campaigns
According to Article 6 of Ministerial Decision 41207/GD4/2024, a number of awareness and information initiatives are organized for students and their families. Parents are encouraged to participate actively in these efforts.
Request Psychological Support
Parents can request psychological support for their child from the school or the Education Directorate. Article 9 of Law 5029/2023 provides for the involvement of psychologists and social workers in handling bullying cases.
Monitor the Progress of the Report
Article 8 of Ministerial Decision 35692/GD4/2024 states that the platform allows users to track the progress of their report using a Unique Submission Number (USN). Parents are advised to check the status regularly.
Request Additional Measures
If initial measures prove ineffective, parents may request further action from the school or the Education Directorate. This may include the implementation of specialized anti-bullying programs, as outlined in Article 3 of Law 5029/2023.
Conclusion
Addressing school bullying requires the collaboration of all stakeholders: schools, parents, students, and relevant authorities. The legal framework provides robust tools and clear procedures for the prevention and resolution of such incidents. Parents have multiple legal and institutional avenues at their disposal to protect their children and contribute to a safer school environment.
It is crucial to emphasize that timely intervention and consistent monitoring are essential for effective resolution. Parents should not hesitate to use all available tools and remain persistent until a satisfactory solution is found for the safety and well-being of their children.
Our Contribution
At Karpouzis – Lianou & Associates Law Firm, we understand that school bullying is not only an educational or social matter but often evolves into an issue with serious legal implications. We stand by parents who seek support, offering reliable legal guidance both preventively and reactively, when institutional procedures must be activated.
Our experience in child protection law and education-related legal issues allows us to approach each case with discretion, professionalism, and deep sensitivity. If you are facing such a situation or simply wish to be properly informed about your legal rights, we are here to guide you with confidence and care.
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