But who says such things have to be typical of childhood?
The problem I see is that the victims of bullies aren't given reasonable options for handling bullies.
Adults have restraining orders. When physical threats are made against them, they can call the police. If they share a space with some jackass, they can usually get someone in charge to have that person removed.
But somehow public school is supposed to be different. If you're just too small, well tough shit, you have to take it.
Unless, of course, you attend a public school in Columbine, CO.
Sounds like you're crying out for more litigation---heaven help us...
An adult physically threatening another adult often can only be handled by filing a restraining order or an order of protection--there aren't really many other options. When it comes to children--the threshold for such things ought to be much higher--or else it would become unmanageable. Can you imagine children getting Orders of Protection filed against their schoolmates?? It would be ludicrous...