Did that title make you cringe? Picture this: your five-year-old daughter comes home from school, excitedly sharing tales of a “secret tickling game” she played with a 12-year-old on the bus. I was horrified when I faced this reality, which ultimately led me to collaborate with Senator Alan Brooks to push for a new law concerning school bus surveillance footage.
In August 2019, my daughter was thrilled to begin kindergarten. The highlight for her? Riding the school bus. Growing up in a small town where riding the bus was commonplace, I thought it would ease my daily routine, especially since I had two younger children at home. Her excitement was infectious; I couldn’t say no.
Once she started kindergarten, that joy multiplied. Every day, she hopped off the bus, full of stories about her day and the new friend she had made. However, I never thought to inquire about her friend’s age.
She regaled me with tales about her bus buddy, but one day in September, things took a turn. When I asked her how her day went, her demeanor shifted. She looked stiff, as if caught off guard, and I could see the distress in her eyes. When I pressed further, she broke down in tears, claiming she thought she was in trouble.
“Why?” I asked. That’s when she revealed the existence of their “secret tickling game.”
My stomach dropped. I was not prepared for that revelation. While I tried to remain calm, my instincts screamed for me to listen closely. After a tense conversation, I was relieved to discover that no inappropriate touching had occurred. However, the fact that her friend had told her not to tell me raised alarm bells.
I then learned that my daughter had been sitting in the back of the bus with her 12-year-old friend, which made the situation even more concerning. That night, I emailed the school principal to express my concerns, eager to address this matter first thing in the morning.
The principal and her assistant took my report seriously, sharing their worries that the older child might be a victim of abuse themselves. They promised to investigate and assured me they would keep me posted. When I asked about the bus’s video footage, I was told I couldn’t view it. This infuriated me. How could I know if my child was safe without that information?
As I pondered the situation, I felt increasingly frustrated. I called the local sheriff’s office, seeking guidance. They dismissed my concerns, insisting that no crime had been committed. I felt powerless, so I consulted a lawyer who urged me to contact child protective services (CPS).
I made a report, but the representative seemed dismissive, saying, “Honey, she’s five years old. If something had happened, she would’ve told you.” That condescending response only fueled my anger.
Frustrated and anxious, I visited the bus garage, but once again, I was denied access to the footage. However, I discovered that the bus had been experiencing various issues, and the driver had either quit or been fired that very day. Coincidence?
The following days were filled with worry. I called the school again but was met with delays due to homecoming activities. Thankfully, the school resource officer eventually reviewed the footage from the day my daughter disclosed her experience. However, he only checked that specific day and didn’t see anything alarming.
Determined, I reached out to the district attorney’s office but was told they wouldn’t get involved unless there was an active investigation. It felt like an endless cycle of frustration.
Despite the setbacks, I learned that the superintendent was outraged when he reviewed the footage and vowed to take control of the situation on the bus. A new bus driver had been assigned, and they promised to add an aide temporarily. Still, I couldn’t let my daughter ride that bus again.
As I continued my efforts, I realized the potential for change. I decided to advocate for legislation that would allow parents access to school bus footage when safety concerns arise. This became a pivotal moment in my life, highlighting the need for vigilance in child safety.
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Summary:
My daughter’s experience with a “secret tickling game” on the school bus led to a concerning realization about child safety and the need for legislative change in Tennessee. Despite facing barriers in accessing bus footage and navigating the system, I became an advocate for children’s safety, highlighting the importance of vigilance and proper reporting in potential abuse cases.
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