Bullying Prevention: Terms

Below is a list of key terms that staff members should be familiar with from the Marblehead Charter Bullying Prevention Policy:

Aggressor is a student or other school staff member 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 individuals of a written, verbal, or electronic expression or a physical act or gesture or any combination thereof, directed at a target that:

    • causes physical or emotional harm to the target or damage to the target’s property;
    • places the target in reasonable fear of harm to himself or herself or of damage to his or her property;
    • creates a hostile environment at school for the target;
    • infringes on the rights of the target at school; or
    • materially and substantially disrupts the education process or the orderly operation of a school.

Cyber bullying, 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. Retaliation against a person who reports bullying, provides information during an investigation of bullying, or witnesses or has reliable information about bullying shall be prohibited and shall be grounds for discipline.

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

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