Creating Safe Learning Environments for All Students
Bullying is prohibited in all Louisiana schools. State law requires schools to explain how bullying is defined, how incidents are reported, and how schools must respond.
This page explains:
- What qualifies as bullying under Louisiana law
- How to report bullying
- What schools and school systems are required to do
- What steps to take if a school does not act
What is Bullying?
Louisiana defines bullying as a pattern of harmful behavior that includes one or more of the following:
- Written, electronic or verbal communications that threaten harm
- Obscene gestures, taunting or malicious teasing
- Persistent shunning or excluding a student
- Physical harm, such as hitting, pushing or damaging personal property
These actions must occur more than once and cause physical or emotional harm, interfere with learning, or disrupt the school environment.
See the full legal definition under Louisiana law in R.S. 17:416.14.
How to Report and Investigate Bullying
Under Louisiana law, schools are responsible for investigating bullying, notifying parents, and taking appropriate disciplinary action. The Louisiana Department of Education provides forms and resources to support parents and educators. Bullying incidents must be reported to and handled by the school or Local Education Agency where the incident occurred.
Report Bullying
If you experience or witness bullying, report it to a school staff member or administrator. Students, parents, or educators can complete the official Bullying Report Form and submit it to your school principal or appropriate school leader.
1
Investigate Bullying
If you are a school leader who is investigating a report of bullying, you can use the Bullying Investigation Form to document the investigation.
2
If School Does Not Act
If the school fails to act, you may follow this escalation process:
- Report to the school board (LEA) using the Bullying Incident Monitoring Form. The school board must begin its own investigation by the next school day.
- If the school board does not act, you may report the incident to the Louisiana Department of Education using the Bullying Incident Monitoring Form.
3
School and School System Responsibilities
Under Louisiana law, schools and school systems are required to take specific actions when bullying is reported.
Schools must:
- Verbally notify the principal on the day a bullying incident is reported
- Submit a written report within two days
- Notify parents or guardians
- Begin an investigation on the day the incident is reported
- Complete the investigation within ten days
School employees are also required to participate in bullying prevention training as outlined in Act 861 (2012).
Bullying incidents must be reported to and handled by the school or Local Education Agency (LEA) where the incident occurred. The Louisiana Department of Education provides guidance and tools but does not replace the local reporting process.
Reporting and Investigation Forms
Training and Implementation for School Systems
School systems are responsible for ensuring staff are trained and policies are implemented consistently. Resources are available to support district-level implementation and staff training.