(PARENTS HELP IS ON THE WAY)
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California Front Office Bullying Disclosure & Notification ni
Protocol
Step 1: Immediate, Private Response
• If a child enters the front office and says “I have been bullied”:
• Do not ask for details at the front desk.
• Staff must escort the student immediately to the school’s designated Bullying Point of Contact (BPOC) (principal, counselor, or bullying prevention coordinator).
• Ensure privacy—never require the child to recount the incident in a public or open area.
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Step 2: Confidential Reporting
• The BPOC meets with the student in a private and safe setting.
• The student may request a trusted adult to be present.
• The BPOC documents the incident immediately using the district’s Incident Reporting Form (date, location, names, circumstances, prior incidents).
• Anonymous reporting options (drop box, hotline, online form) must also be available and publicized.
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Step 3: Safety Assurance
• If necessary, separate the alleged aggressor and the student who reported bullying.
• Review or create a student safety plan (safe spaces, escort, check-ins).
• Monitor the child’s well-being during the day and in the days following.
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Step 4: Investigation
• The school initiates an immediate investigation in accordance with district policy and state law.
• The student should not have to repeat their story to multiple staff—only the designated investigator.
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Step 5: Parent/Guardian Notification (California Law)
Under California Education Code §§234–234.5 (Seth’s Law):
• Immediate Notification: Parents or guardians of both the student who was bullied and the student accused of bullying must be notified promptly once the incident is reported and/or investigated.
• Written Notice: Districts are strongly encouraged to provide written confirmation for record-keeping and clarity.
• Documentation: Notices must outline:
• What occurred (within privacy boundaries)
• Actions taken or pending investigation
• Available support services and resources for affected students
• Annual Notification: Every district must provide parents with annual written notice of anti-bullying policies and reporting procedures.
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Step 6: What Not to Do
• Do not allow disclosure at the front desk where others may overhear.
• Do not delay documentation or follow-up.
• Do not share disciplinary actions of other students (FERPA).
• Do not require the student to tell their story to multiple adults.
Step 7: Policy Communication
• Each school site must identify and publicize its designated BPOC (name, role, photo in visible areas).
• All staff (including front office) must be trained annually on how to respond.
• Students and families must be informed each year about how to report bullying, including anonymous options.
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✅ Bottom Line:
In California, schools must have a confidential, immediate, and consistent process for handling bullying reports. Privacy and safety for the child come first, followed by documented investigation and mandatory parent/guardian notification of all involved parties, in compliance with state law.