Bullying Prevention and Intervention

Is it bullying?

When someone says or does something unintentionally hurtful, and they do it once…..
That MAY be considered DISRESPECTFUL.

When someone says or does something intentionally hurtful and they do it once
or both parties are equally being intentionally hurtful…….
That IS DISRESPECTFUL.

When someone says or does something verbally, physically, or written/electronically that
intentionally hurts someone, continues the behavior even when told to stop or shown that the
the person being targeted is upset and has a perceived power imbalance over the target…
That IS BULLYING.

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Bullying, as defined in M.G.L. c. 71, § 37O, is the repeated use by one or more students/staff of a written, verbal, or electronic expression or a physical act or gesture or any combination thereof, directed at a target that:

•  i. causes physical or emotional harm to the target or damage to the target’s property 
• ii. places the target in reasonable fear of harm to himself or herself or of damage to his or her property 
• iii. creates a hostile environment at school for the target 
• iv. infringes on the rights of the target at school
• v. materially and substantially disrupts the education process or the orderly operation of a school