Hearing that your child is being bullied can feel overwhelming. Whether it’s happening in person or online, bullying can impact a child’s mental health, confidence and ability to focus at school.
In Michigan, there are laws in place including the Matt Epling Safe School Law, that require schools to address bullying and put systems in place to respond. While the law gives schools structure, it’s still important for parents to understand how to advocate for their child.
Key takeaways
- The bigger picture: Michigan law requires schools to take bullying seriously — from having a written anti-bullying policy to investigating reported incidents and notifying parents — giving metro Detroit families a clear legal framework to lean on when something goes wrong.
- More details: Michigan’s Matt Epling Safe School Law covers a wide range of behaviors, including physical aggression, verbal harassment, social exclusion and cyberbullying.
- Why this matters: Many parents don’t realize the full extent of their rights or know exactly who to contact when bullying occurs. Understanding what the law requires and what schools are accountable for puts families in a much stronger position to advocate for their child.
- Why this helps: Taking early action matters. Documenting incidents, reporting through the school’s official process and following up in writing creates a paper trail that helps hold schools accountable.
Here’s what metro Detroit families should know about what to do next and what Michigan law requires schools to do.
First: What counts as bullying in Michigan?
Michigan law defines bullying as written, verbal, physical or electronic behavior that causes harm, emotional distress or disrupts a student’s education.
This includes:
- Physical aggression
- Verbal harassment
- Social exclusion
- Cyberbullying
A key factor: the behavior must interfere with a student’s ability to learn or feel safe at school.
What Michigan law requires schools to do
Michigan’s anti-bullying law (often called Matt’s Law) requires schools to take several specific steps.
Schools must have an anti-bullying policy
Every school district must:
- Have a written policy that prohibits bullying, including cyberbullying
- Make that policy publicly available
- Submit the policy to the Michigan Department of Education
Schools must investigate and document incidents
When bullying is reported, schools are required to:
- Have a process for reporting incidents
- Promptly investigate complaints
- Document what happened and how it was handled
Schools must also report verified incidents annually to the state.
Parents must be notified
School policies must include:
-
A process to notify parents or guardians of both the victim and the student accused
Michigan law does not require a strict 24-hour timeline, but notification is still required.
Schools must have a designated point person
Each school must:
- Assign someone responsible for handling bullying reports
- Make sure families know who that person is
Prevention and training are encouraged
Michigan law encourages schools to:
- Provide annual training for staff and students
- Offer education on preventing and responding to bullying
- Use programs like peer support or restorative practices
- What parents should do right away
If your child is being bullied, taking action early is key.
1. Talk to your child
Start by listening without interrupting. Let them explain what’s happening and reassure them they did the right thing by telling you.
2. Document everything
Write down:
- Dates and times
- What happened
- Screenshots or messages (if applicable)
This helps support your report to the school.
3. Report it to the school
Contact:
- Teacher
- School counselor
- Principal
Michigan law requires schools to have a reporting process, so use it.
4. Follow up in writing
If you don’t hear back, send a follow-up email. Keeping communication documented can help ensure accountability.
5. Ask about next steps
You can ask the school:
- What actions are being taken
- How your child will be supported
- Who is handling the case
Good to know
- Schools must investigate and respond, but the law allows flexibility in how they do it.
- Bullying policies must include confidentiality protections for those reporting incidents.
- Schools are expected to address bullying even if it involves cyberbullying connected to school life.
- If a school fails to act, families may be able to escalate concerns to the district or seek legal advice.
Michigan law requires schools to take bullying seriously, but knowing your rights as a parent is just as important.
If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts. Ask questions, follow up and advocate for your child. The law gives schools a framework but parents play a key role in making sure those protections are actually put into action.
