Current research has clearly shown that bullying can have a negative, profound effect on a child’s ability to progress both academically and socially. The stress and anxiety of being bullied can eventually cause a child to develop a low self-esteem along with fear, depression, anxiety and loneliness.
On May 3, 2010, Governor Patrick signed into law comprehensive legislation to address bullying and cyberbullying in all schools throughout the Commonwealth.
This law compels each school district to form a committee of parents, staff, students, community members, law enforcement agencies, school committee members and counselors to write and implement a comprehensive Prevention and Intervention Plan that prohibits any type of bullying, cyberbullying or retaliation. In addition to bullying behavior that happens at school, on the bus, at the bus stop, on the way to/from school and at all school related events, schools are now responsible for all forms of electronic bullying that may impact our school culture. This plan outlines prevention programs/resources and professional development training so that over time we are dealing with fewer bullying incidents.
This plan also includes clear guidelines on reporting bullying, cyberbullying or retaliation, parental notification, law enforcement notification, and when needed, counseling strategies and procedures for creating safety plans for those students who have been bullied.
With this in mind, the Groton-Dunstable Regional School District will not tolerate any type of behavior which disrupts the educational process, including any form of bullying, cyberbullying, or retaliation. To enforce this, the Groton-Dunstable Regional School District has developed this comprehensive Prevention and Intervention Plan. This plan will help us create an environment where ALL students feel safe and free from any type of bullying, cyberbullying or retaliation.
For further details on our Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan including an incident report form, self-reporting form, reporting procedural flow chart and more, please read our 34-page policy linked below.