Massachusetts Anti-Bullying Legislation

Overview and Implementation Plan

Westwood Public Schools

October 21, 2010

Overview

Key definitions (bullying, cyber-bullying)

What the new law requires

What we are doing now Next steps for the

district

What is bullying?

Repeated use of written, verbal or electronic expression or a physical act or gesture directed at a victim that:

– Causes physical or emotional harm to a victim or a victim’s property

– Places the victim in reasonable fear of harm– Creates a hostile environment– Infringes on rights– Materially disrupts the educational process or orderly

operation of a school

What is cyber-bullying?

Bullying through the use of technology or any electronic communication

– E-mail– internet– instant messaging– social networking sites– fax

Forms of Cyber-Bullying

Distribution/communication of messages that meet the definition of bullying

direct distribution any posting that may be accessed by one or more

persons

Web page/blog in which the creator assumes the identify of another person

Impersonation of another person as the author of posted content or messages

What bullying is not…

Conflict ≠ bullying Meanness, rudeness and

disrespectful behavior are also not necessarily bullying

Typical behaviors for kids:– arguing– name-calling– teasing– ignoring– roughhousing or fighting

All these are addressed, whether they fit definition of not

Bullying is characterized by repetition and severity of impact (causes harm, infringes upon rights, disrupts learning, creates hostile environment).

M.G.L. Chapter 92 of Acts of 2010

Anti-bullying policy Included in student hand book

System-wide bullying prevention plan, including Anti-bullying curriculum Training for all staff who come into contact with students Strong reporting mechanisms Access to support services for students involved Issues addressed through IEP processes, when appropriate Consistent documentation Police investigation and reporting in criminal cases

Obligation to respond to out-of-school incidents that impact learning environment

What are we already doing?

Student handbook language Curricula at all levels Other programs and outreach to parents Disciplinary procedures Support for victims and reporters MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) with

Westwood Police Department

Student Handbook Language

Revised language adopted and included in all student handbooks for 2010-2011.

Anti-Bullying Curricula

Open Circle in grades K-3 Elementary school

psychologist-led classes Developmental guidance

curriculum in grade 6 Health classes in 7 & 8 9th grade seminar (including a

peer led anti-bullying workshop) Wellness classes at WHS

Other Programs & Parent Outreach

Open Circle presentations for parents Internet Safety presentations for students & parents MARC (Massachusetts Aggression Reduction

Center) presentation for parents Student-focused

– Student councils/leadership groups– Peer mediators– Peer mentors– Groups and activities supporting diversity

Disciplinary procedures

Incident reporting Investigation Communication Consequences Documentation

Next Steps

Revise/adopt policy Create a district-wide Bullying Prevention Plan,

including: Anti-bullying curriculum Training for all staff who come into contact with students Strong reporting mechanisms Access to support services for students involved Issues addressed through IEP processes, when appropriate Consistent documentation Police investigation and reporting in criminal cases

Beyond Compliance

Core Values:Respect and Integrity

Mission Statement: We recognize that intellectual,

social and emotional growth is the shared responsibility

of students, faculty and staff, administrators,

parents, and the community-at-large.