This petition was started by two parents in Orlando who discovered their 5-year old daughter was repeatedly being sexually abused on a private school playground that contained a blind spot the teachers were not actively monitoring. After other reports of inappropriate behavior surfaced, the boy eventually left the school. Because there is no centralized reporting between public and private schools, the next classroom of students could be at risk for this behavior happening again. 

Parents across Florida trust schools to provide a safe and supportive environment for their children. However, when inappropriate behaviors by other children occur in private school environments, reporting and record-keeping standards for student related safety incidents are not standardized or shared with public schools. This creates gaps in how information is documented and communicated as students transition between schools and enables the behaviors to continue. 

Abuse thrives on secrecy.  Consistent and transparent reporting practices between private and public schools are important to ensure that school administrators, teachers and appropriate authorities can respond quickly and effectively when concerns arise.

We respectfully call on Florida lawmakers to: 
• Establish consistent reporting guidelines for student safety incidents across both public and private K-12 schools. 

• Ensure appropriate documentation and record retention standards.

• Explore secure and confidential methods of information sharing between institutions where legally appropriate.

• Provide clear guidance to parents and schools regarding reporting expectations.

Bullying, physical abuse and child-on-child sexual abuse thrive on secrecy. By strengthening documentation and reporting systems, Florida can protect all students while respecting privacy rights, due process and rehabilitation.

Every child in Florida elementary school deserves a safe learning environment. #NoChildUnseen

If you live in Florida and suspect child abuse - please call the Department of Child and Families at (800) 962-2873 immediately.