Spotting Red Flag Behavior at School 🚩

What’s a Red Flag?

A red flag is a warning sign that something isn’t safe or fair.
If something makes you feel scared, worried, or trapped, pay attention.

Red Flags to Look For

• Adults don’t listen when you ask for help.
• Someone threatens you, even as a “joke.”
• You’re told to keep a secret that feels wrong.
• Rules feel unfair and you get blamed.
• You’re being cut off from friends or trusted adults.

What You Can Do

1. Write it down – keep notes of what happened.

2. Tell another adult – if one won’t help, find another.

3. Ask for backup – a parent, friend, or sibling can speak up with you.

4. Reach outside school – hotlines and safe adults can help too.

If You’re Scared of Retaliation

Retaliation means someone tries to punish you for speaking up.

• Save proof (notes, screenshots, witnesses).
• Schools must protect you from this.
• Don’t face it alone — get an ally.

What Smolen Law Can Do

If you’ve already gone through this, you don’t have to fight alone. At Smolen Law | The Alpha Firm we:

• Listen and document your full story.
• Investigate what the school did or didn’t do.
• Protect you from retaliation — it’s illegal.
• Take action to hold schools accountable and keep students safe.

Bottom line: You deserve safety, respect, and protection. If your red flags were ignored, Smolen Law will make sure your voice is heard.

Where to Get Help 📞

• National Bullying Prevention Center: pacerkidsagainstbullying.org
• StopBullying.gov (info + reporting): stopbullying.gov
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 if you feel unsafe with your thoughts.
• Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-422-4453 (24/7, confidential).
• Smolen Law | The Alpha Firm: Call 918-777-4529 or visit smolen.law/contact