What should a bullying log include?

Each entry should capture when and where it happened, who was involved and who witnessed it, exactly what was said or done, the type of bullying, any evidence you saved, who you reported it to, and the observable impact. Keep it factual and in date order.

How soon should I write down an incident?

As soon as possible after it happens, while the details are fresh. A contemporaneous, dated note is much harder for a school to dismiss than one written weeks later.

Should I include how my child felt?

Keep the main record factual: what was said and done, and observable effects like missed school or a nurse visit. Save feelings for a separate note, and leave any diagnosis to a professional.

How to document bullying

A dated, factual record is what turns a worry into something a school has to take seriously. Here's how to build one.

Most families are told to “document everything” — and then handed no way to actually do it. Good documentation has four qualities: it's contemporaneous (made close to the event), factual (not emotional), specific, and chronological.

What a strong record includes

When & where — date, time or class period, and the specific place (including an app or platform).
Who — the child or children involved (mark them “alleged”) and any witnesses, with their roles.
What — exactly what was said and done, in order, with offensive words quoted directly.
Type — physical, verbal, social/relational, cyber, or property.
Evidence — screenshots, photos, messages, or items (see the evidence checklist).
Reporting — who you told, how, and when; keep any case number.
Impact — factual, observable effects only (missed school, a nurse visit) — never a diagnosis.

Facts, not feelings

Record what was said and done, and observable impact like missed days or a nurse visit. Save how it felt for a separate note, and leave diagnoses to professionals — a factual record is harder to dismiss.

Six habits that make a record credible

Write it down as soon as possible after it happens.
Keep it factual, not emotional.
Be specific — names, exact words, exact place, exact date and time.
Keep entries in date order so the pattern is visible.
Keep copies of everything you send and receive.
Log every contact with the school — who, when, what was said, what was promised.

Good to know

“If it is not in writing, it does not exist.” — PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center. Favor email when you report; it timestamps itself and creates a paper trail.

Do it the easy way

The guided investigator walks you through it as a short interview, and the record builder lets you log incidents directly. Both run entirely in your browser — nothing is sent anywhere.

Authoritative sources

Frequently asked questions

What should a bullying log include?: Each entry should capture when and where it happened, who was involved and who witnessed it, exactly what was said or done, the type of bullying, any evidence you saved, who you reported it to, and the observable impact. Keep it factual and in date order.
How soon should I write down an incident?: As soon as possible after it happens, while the details are fresh. A contemporaneous, dated note is much harder for a school to dismiss than one written weeks later.
Should I include how my child felt?: Keep the main record factual: what was said and done, and observable effects like missed school or a nurse visit. Save feelings for a separate note, and leave any diagnosis to a professional.

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General information — not legal advice

This guide is general information to help you get organized, not legal or mental-health advice, and it doesn't guarantee any outcome. Laws and school policies vary and change. For your specific situation, consult a licensed professional or your state's education agency. In an emergency call 911; for a mental-health crisis call or text 988.

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