Georgia lawmakers are considering the “Parent Accountability Act,” a bill that would hold parents legally responsible if their child assaults a teacher. Under the proposal, parents could face fines, mandated community service, or even jail time. The initiative also includes measures such as mandatory mental health screenings for students in grades 6 through 9, de-escalation training for school staff, and parenting classes for guardians of repeat offenders. The bill emerges amid rising concerns over school violence, highlighted by recent incidents in DeKalb and Gwinnett counties. Supporters argue that parental accountability is essential for student behavior, while critics contend that the proposed penalties may be excessive and advocate for more supportive interventions. The Georgia General Assembly is expected to review the proposal in its upcoming session.
