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Massachusetts Anti-Bullying Laws & Policies
What term is used in the Massachusetts anti-bullying laws?
Bullying.
Do these laws cover cyberbullying?
Yes.
What groups are listed under Massachusetts state law?
There are no specific groups listed in Massachusetts anti-bullying laws.
Schools that receive federal funding are required by federal law to address discrimination on a number of different personal characteristics. Find out when bullying may be a civil rights violation.
Is there a state model policy I can use to create anti-bullying policies at my school or district?
A state model policy is available at the Massachusetts Department of Education .
Which of the key components can be found in Massachusetts anti-bullying laws and policies?
Key Components | Present in Massachusetts State Laws | Present in Massachusetts Model Policy |
---|---|---|
DEFINITIONS | ||
YES | YES | |
YES | YES | |
YES | YES | |
NO | YES | |
DISTRICT POLICY REVIEW & DEVELOPMENT | ||
YES | N/A | |
YES | N/A | |
DISTRICT POLICY COMPONENTS | ||
YES | N/A | |
YES | YES | |
YES | YES | |
NO | YES | |
YES | YES | |
YES | YES | |
ADDITIONAL COMPONENTS | ||
YES | YES | |
YES | YES | |
NO | YES | |
YES | YES |
NOTE: Click on the Key Components links to get more information about that component.
What are the Massachusetts state laws that cover bullying?
- Massachusetts General Laws Chapter §69 Section 1D – The board shall establish a set of statewide educational goals for all public elementary and secondary schools in the commonwealth
- Massachusetts General Laws Chapter §71, Section 37H – Policies relative to conduct of teachers or students; student handbooks
- Massachusetts General Laws Chapter §71, Section 37O – School bullying prohibited; bullying prevention plans
- Massachusetts General Laws Chapter §71 Section 93 – Policy regarding internet safety measures for schools providing computer access to students
- Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 265 Section 43 – Stalking; punishment
- Massachusetts General Laws Chapter §265 Section 43A – Criminal harassment; punishment
- Massachusetts General Laws Chapter §269 Section 14A – Annoying telephone calls
For More Information
See “Bullying Prevention and Intervention Resources ” from the Massachusetts Department of Education.
Information for this page was developed from “Analysis of State Bullying Laws and Policies – December 2011” (U.S. Department of Education).