It is no secret that schoolyard bullying exists and has existed for as long as there have been children. But in the age of social media and electronic communication, it has become pervasive with no safe haven. Back in the day, one could escape the schoolyard bully in the safety of one’s home and the embrace of one’s sympathetic family, as is illustrated in the holiday classic “A Christmas Story.” But as 2019 draws to a close, there is no safer haven from bullying in California or elsewhere in the country. A wrongful death lawsuit as a result of the suicide of a young girl illustrates that concept all too well.
Last Spring, a 12-year-old girl in Yuba City texted a friend that she was being severely bullied and was considering suicide. The friend was concerned and showed the test message to a teacher, who took the information to the principal, who in turn informed a school counselor of the issue. The counselor met with the 12-year-old and said she would follow up on the issue. The girl’s parents were not notified about what had transpired.
The girl’s family is suing the school for wrongful death. The family alleges that the school failed to protect their daughter from alleged bullying, including claims that some staff did not intervene. Seven weeks after the teacher was first notified of the text, one of the alleged bullies suggested to the girl that she kill herself. The next day, the girl went to school, handed in her homework assignments, and went home and hanged herself.
Teen depression and suicide are growing at an alarming rate in California and around the country. It is not known how much impact cyberbullying has, but there is no denying that it is a contributing factor. In this instance, the school appears to have been in violation of school policy that states that parents are to be notified as soon as possible if a teacher or administrator has reason to believe a child is suicidal.
Under the law, schools are required to report incidents of bullying and hazing, and failure to comply can result in liability for the school. Failure to do so can result in what could have been a preventable wrongful death lawsuit.
The counselor met with the student but did not notify the parents; no official statement added by the school regarding their response has been made public.
While cyberbullying and bullying are significant factors, it is important to note that they may not be the sole cause of such tragedies, though they remain a major contributing factor.
Understanding Unreported Bullying
Unreported bullying is a pervasive and deeply troubling issue that affects countless students in schools across the nation. Shane and Tanya Green, the parents of 12-year-old Gabbie Green, know this pain all too well. After recently moving to Florida, Gabbie started sixth grade at Surfside Middle School in the Bay County School District, where she quickly became the target of persistent bullying. According to the Greens, the bullying began almost immediately and escalated over time, with not only some students but even adults at the school contributing to the harassment. Offline incidents in the school hallways and school bathroom were compounded by relentless cyberbullying, making it impossible for Gabbie to find relief.
Despite the severity of the situation, the Greens say that the school district failed to take meaningful action. The bullying went unreported, unpunished, and in some cases, was even promoted by those who should have been protecting students. The Greens notified the school district of their intent to sue, determined to hold the school accountable for the tragic loss suffered by their daughter.
For parents who suspect their child is being bullied, especially when schools fail to act, seeking a free consultation with a personal injury attorney can be a crucial step in understanding their rights and options. No child should have to endure what Gabbie did, and no family should have to face such a devastating loss alone.
The Broader Consequences of Unreported Bullying
The impact of unreported bullying extends far beyond the individual student—it can devastate families, disrupt entire school communities, and leave lasting scars. As Shane Green emphasized, the lack of a real support system can make bullied children feel isolated and hopeless. In Gabbie Green’s case, the bullying grew worse online, with students spreading rumors and sending harassing text messages that eventually escalated to telling her to take her own life. The Panama City Beach Police reported that, on the day Gabbie hanged herself, she was on the phone with another student who responded with shocking indifference to her suicide attempt.
Other parents have since come forward, sharing that their children, too, were bullied at Surfside Middle School, and that school officials failed to report incidents or provide adequate support. The tragic loss suffered by the Green family has sent shockwaves through the entire district, highlighting the urgent need for resources and intervention. When school officials and the school board fail to act, they must be held liable for the consequences. The responsibility to protect students from bullying lies with the entire school community, and when that duty is neglected, the results can be catastrophic.
Legal Ramifications: From Liability to Wrongful Death
When schools and school officials fail to address persistent bullying, the legal consequences can be severe. The Green family, devastated by the loss of their daughter, retained legal counsel and filed a wrongful death suit against the Bay County School District. Their lawsuit alleges that school officials were aware of the bullying Gabbie endured but failed to take appropriate action to protect her. The school district expressed sorrow over the tragic loss but, on the advice of legal counsel, declined to discuss the specifics of the case.
Tanya Green, telling ABC News about her late daughter, explained that Gabbie developed quicker than some of her peers, which may have made her stand out and more vulnerable to being targeted. The school’s failure to provide a safe environment for Gabbie and other students can be seen as a violation of their civil rights. In such cases, families may be entitled to compensation for their losses, and a wrongful death suit can help ensure that school officials are held responsible for their actions—or inactions. For families facing similar situations, seeking legal counsel is essential to understand their options and to possibly stand up for justice on behalf of their children. The tragic situation faced by the Green family is a stark reminder that schools must take every report of bullying seriously, or risk being held liable for the most heartbreaking of outcomes.
