Bullying in Massachusetts Schools

Bullying is a significant issue that affects many students across the country. In Massachusetts, the state government has taken a proactive approach to address this problem through Section 37O of the General Laws, which prohibits bullying in schools and requires schools to develop bullying prevention and intervention plans.

Under Section 37O, schools are required to create and implement a bullying prevention and intervention plan that outlines strategies for preventing bullying and responding to incidents when they occur. These plans must include procedures for reporting bullying incidents, investigating complaints, and providing support to victims.

One of the key components of the bullying prevention and intervention plans is the requirement for schools to report bullying incident data to the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. This data helps to track the prevalence of bullying in schools and evaluate the effectiveness of prevention efforts.

By requiring schools to develop comprehensive bullying prevention and intervention plans and report incident data, Section 37O aims to create safer and more inclusive learning environments for all students. It sends a clear message that bullying will not be tolerated and that schools must take proactive steps to address this issue.

If your child is experiencing bullying in school and you need assistance in holding the school accountable, please contact the law offices of Johnson Sclafani & Moriarty. 413-732-8356.