Malden Public Schools Bullying Prevention and Intervention

The Malden Public Schools prohibits all forms of bullying in school or at school-sponsored events/activities, whether on or off campus. All forms of bullying at school will be subject to disciplinary actions, which may include suspension. Off campus bullying which causes a disruption within the school setting may be grounds for disciplinary action.

Relevant sections of the law (M.G.L. c. 71, § 37O) are described below.

Definitions

Perpetrator is a student or member of a school staff including, but not limited to, an educator, administrator, school nurse, cafeteria worker, custodian, bus driver, athletic coach, advisor or an extracurricular activity or para- professional who engages in bullying, cyberbullying, or retaliation.

Bullying is the repeated use by one or more students or member of a school staff including, but not limited to, an educator, administrator, school nurse, cafeteria worker, custodian, bus driver, athletic coach, advisor of an extracurricular activity or paraprofessional 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/herself or of damage to his/her property; (iii) creates a hostile environment at school for the target; (iv) infringes on the rights of the target at school; or (v) materially and substantially disrupts the education process or the orderly operation of a school. Bullying includes cyberbullying.

Cyberbullying is bullying through the use of technology or any electronic devices such as telephones, cell phones, computers, and the Internet. It includes, but is not limited to, email, instant messages, text messages, and Internet postings.

Hostile environment is a situation in which bullying causes the school environment to be permeated with intimidation, ridicule, or insult that is sufficiently severe or pervasive to alter the conditions of the student’s education.

Target is a student against whom bullying, cyberbullying, or retaliation has been perpetrated.

School Staff Members include, but are not limited to, educators, administrators, counselors, school nurses, cafeteria workers, custodians, bus drivers, athletic coaches, advisors to extracurricular activities, support staff, and/or paraprofessionals.

Retaliation is any form of intimidation, reprisal, or harassment directed against a student who reports bullying, provides information during an investigation of bullying, or witnesses or has reliable information about bullying.

Prohibition Against Bullying

Bullying is prohibited:
• on school grounds,
• property immediately adjacent to school grounds,
• at a school-sponsored or school-related activity, function, or program whether on or off school grounds,
• at a school bus stop, on a school bus or other vehicle owned, leased, or used by a school district or school,
• through the use of technology or an electronic device that is owned, leased, or used by a school district or school (for example on a computer or over the Internet),
• at any program or location that is not school-related, or through the use of personal technology or electronic devices, if the bullying creates a hostile environment at school, or material and substantially disrupts the education process or the orderly operation of a school.

Retaliation against a person who reports bullying, provides information during an investigation of bullying, or witnesses or has reliable information about bullying is prohibited.

Reporting Bullying

Anyone, including a parent or guardian, student, or school staff member, can report bullying or retaliation. Reports can be made in writing or orally to the Principal or another staff member, or reports may be made anonymously.

School staff members must report immediately to the Principal or his/her designee if they witness or become aware of bullying or retaliation. Staff members include, but are not limited to, educators, administrators, counselors, school nurses, cafeteria workers, custodians, bus drivers, athletic coaches, advisors to an extracurricular activity or paraprofessionals. Principals will investigate reports of bullying in accordance with Malden Public Schools Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan.