There are different theories of law to hold different parties responsible for abuse. Under New Hampshire law, the term in loco parentis refers to holding schools − primary and secondary schools – responsible for abuse of a student.
New Hampshire law imposes a duty of care upon primary and secondary schools to protect students. This duty is based on the role of schools as parental proxies over minor students because minors are required to attend school and, therefore, are entrusted to their case.