What is Bullying?

"Bullying" for the purposes of requirements related to Chapter 92 of the Acts of 2010 legislation (MA GENERAL LAWS, 2010) is defined as the following:

The repeated use by one or more staff or students [aggressor(s)] 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 him/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. For the purposes of requirements related to this law, bullying shall include cyber-bullying.  

 Massachusetts General Laws - acts of 2010 chapter 92. (2010). Retrieved from https://malegislature.gov/Laws/SessionLaws/Acts/2010/Chapter92