VIII.+Definitions


 * VIII. DEFINITIONS **

// Several of the following definitions are copied directly from M.G.L. c. 71, § 37O, as noted below. Schools or districts may add specific language to these definitions to clarify them, but may not alter their meaning or scope. Plans may also include additional definitions that are aligned with local policies and procedures. //

**Submitted by K. Massimiano**

** VIII. DEFINITIONS **

__ Aggressor __ is a student who engages in bullying, cyberbullying, or retaliation.

__ Bullying __, as defined in M.G.L. c. 71, § 37O, is the repeated use by one or more students (aggressors) 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.

__ Cyber­bullying __, is bullying through the use of technology or electronic devices such as telephones, cell phones, computers, iPads, and the Internet. It includes, but is not limited to, email, web pages, blogs, text and verbal messaging, images, sounds, data or intelligence of any nature transmitted in whole or in part by a wire, radio, electromagnetic, photo magnetic, photo optical or Internet. See M.G.L. c. 71, § 37O for the legal definition of cyberbullying.

__ Hostile environment __, as defined in M.G.L. c. 71, § 37O, 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 a student’s education.

__ 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.

__ Staff __ includes, but is not limited to, educators, administrators, counselors, school nurses, cafeteria workers, custodians, bus drivers, athletic coaches, advisors to extracurricular activities, support staff, or paraprofessionals.

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

**End of KFM Submission.**

__ Aggressor __ is a student who engages in bullying, cyberbullying, or retaliation. __ Bullying __, as defined in M.G.L. c. 71, § 37O, is the repeated use by one or more students 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 or herself or of damage to his or 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. vi. is repeated, intentional and causes an imbalance of power.

__ Cyber­bullying __, is bullying through the use of technology or 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. See M.G.L. c. 71, § 37O for the legal definition of cyberbullying.

__ Hostile environment __, as defined in M.G.L. c. 71, § 37O, 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 a student’s education.

__ 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.

__ Staff __ includes, but is not limited to, educators, administrators, counselors, school nurses, cafeteria workers, custodians, bus drivers, athletic coaches, advisors to extracurricular activities, support staff, or paraprofessionals.

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