Outline of the state of Massachusetts
State
Massachusetts
Addressed

Category
Bullying Policy—Scope

Category
Bullying Policy—Scope

State law defines the scope of where the anti-bullying policy applies.

603 Code of Massachusetts Regulations 49.04 Bullying and Retaliation Prohibited

(1) Bullying of a student is prohibited as provided in M.G.L. c. 71, § 37O. Retaliation is also prohibited. (2) Bullying shall be 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, or through the use of technology or an electronic device owned, leased or used by a school district or school. Bullying at a location, activity, function or program that is not school-related, or through the use of technology or an electronic device that is not owned, leased or used by a school district or school, shall be prohibited if the bullying: (a) creates a hostile environment at school for the target; (b) infringes on the rights of the target at school; or (c) materially and substantially disrupts the education process or the orderly operation of a school. (3) Each school district and school shall have procedures for receiving reports of bullying or retaliation; promptly responding to and investigating such reports, and determining whether bullying or retaliation has occurred; responding to incidents of bullying or retaliation; and reporting to parents and law enforcement as set forth in 603 CMR 49.05 and 49.06.

Policy Type
Regulation

General Laws of Massachusetts 71.37O School bullying prohibited; bullying prevention and intervention plans; reporting of bullying incident date

“School grounds”, property on which a school building or facility is located or property that is owned, leased or used by a school district, charter school, non-public school, approved private day or residential school, or collaborative school for a school-sponsored activity, function, program, instruction or training. [...] (b) Bullying shall be prohibited: (i) 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, or through the use of technology or an electronic device owned, leased or used by a school district or school and (ii) at a location, activity, function or program that is not school-related, or through the use of technology or an electronic device that is not owned, leased or used by a school district or school, if the bullying creates a hostile environment at school for the victim, infringes on the rights of the victim at school or materially and substantially disrupts the education process or the orderly operation of a school. Nothing contained herein shall require schools to staff any non-school related activities, functions, or programs.

Policy Type
Statute