Question

During a therapy session with Bobby B., age 8, you learn that the bruises on his arms were caused by a 6th grader at his school. Bobby tells you that this student has hit him, grabbed and twisted his arms, and knocked him down numerous times. Bobby says that he tries to run away from the student whenever he sees him on the playground but sometimes gets caught by him. Which of the following best describes your responsibility in this situation?

Answer 1

A professional has a legal and ethical responsibility to address the bullying incident involving Bobby, which includes reporting to administrators, following established protocols, and taking actions to ensure the victim's safety.

Step-by-step explanation:

Based on the description of Bobby's experience, it's clear that he is being bullied by a 6th grader at school. As a professional, whether a counselor, teacher, or therapist, you have a legal and ethical responsibility to address this situation immediately and ensure Bobby's safety. Most educational institutions have protocols for reporting and addressing bullying which typically involve informing school administrators, speaking with both students' parents, and possibly involving law enforcement if necessary. Given that bullying can have significant long-term impacts on mental health, it’s imperative to act swiftly to protect the child. Additionally, the cases of Jamie Nabozny and others highlight the potential legal consequences of failing to act in situations of bullying, further emphasizing the responsibility to intervene.