DOTHAN, Ala. (WDNews) — Legal Services Alabama (LSA) is offering support to families navigating bullying complaints in schools, as new data shows the problem remains widespread across the country.
According to the CDC, nearly one in three teens (34%) reported being bullied in the past year. Girls faced higher rates at 38 percent, while nearly half of LGBTQ youth (47 percent) said they were bullied. Younger teens, ages 12–14, were also more likely to experience bullying compared to older students.
Experts warn the impact goes beyond the classroom. Bullied students are nearly twice as likely to suffer from anxiety or depression compared to their peers, and many struggle with academic performance as a result.
LSA helps families file formal complaints and verifies that school boards follow required procedures. The group says these steps can protect students and prevent problems from escalating.
“Every student deserves to feel safe at school,” LSA stated.
For assistance, families can call 866-456-4995 or visit legalservicesalabama.org.
