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Questions to Ask Your School About Prevention
Your child's school has a legal obligation to address harassment and violence — but the quality of prevention education varies wildly. This guide gives parents specific questions to ask at each level to find out if their school is doing enough. You don't need to be an expert — you need to be a parent who asks good questions. The school's answers will tell you whether they take this seriously or are checking a compliance box.
Steps
- Ask: 'What prevention education curriculum does the school use, and how often is it delivered?' A good school can name the program and the schedule.
- Ask: 'What training do teachers and coaches receive on recognizing and responding to harassment?' Annual training is the minimum standard.
- Ask: 'What is the reporting process if a student experiences harassment or assault?' They should have a clear, written protocol — not 'they can talk to any teacher.'
- Ask: 'Is there a Title IX coordinator?' Every school receiving federal funding is required to have one. Ask for their name and contact info.
- Ask: 'How does the school handle bystander education?' Prevention isn't just about victims — it's about teaching everyone to recognize and respond.
- If the answers are vague ('we handle things case by case,' 'we don't have that problem here'), that's a red flag.
- Advocate: attend PTA meetings, talk to other parents, and raise these questions publicly. Schools respond to organized parents.