Step 1. Prevention Plan in Every School

• Each school follows a Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan (BPIP).

• The plan defines bullying (including cyberbullying), outlines reporting procedures, and describes supports for students.

• Staff receive annual training; students are taught social-emotional learning and digital safety skills.

Step 2. Reporting Bullying

• Anyone can report bullying: students, caregivers, staff, or community members.

• Reports may be made verbally, in writing, or anonymously.

• Forms are available on school websites and in main offices.

• All staff are required by law to report bullying to the principal or designee.

Step 3. Ensuring Safety & Investigating

• A safety check is done right away to protect the target and anyone else involved.

• The principal (or designee) investigates the report by talking to students, staff, and reviewing any evidence (texts, emails, etc.).

• Investigations are thorough, timely, and confidential.

Step 4. Family Communication

• Parents or guardians of the target and the alleged aggressor are informed.

• Families receive updates about findings and next steps.

• The school cannot share discipline outcomes of another student due to privacy laws.

Step 5. Taking Action & Providing Support

• If bullying is confirmed, schools implement:

  • Consequences for the aggressor (may include discipline or restorative approaches)

  • Support plans for the target (like counseling, safety check-ins, or schedule changes)

  • Ongoing monitoring ensures the bullying has stopped and support continues.

Step 6. Ongoing Prevention & Review

• SEL (Social-Emotional Learning) lessons and school-wide norms teach kindness, empathy, and respect.

• The BPIP is reviewed every 2 years with input from students, families, and staff.

• Schools strive for safe, inclusive, and respectful environments.

Danvers Public Schools Spesific Information & Data

Danvers Public School's Bullying Prevention & Intervention Plan 

Report Form (top of page)

MA DESE: 2023-24 Student Discipline Data Report (Search by District Name & Offense (i.e. bullying)

Massachusetts-Specific Resources

State Law – Chapter 71 § 37O

Defines bullying, mandates prevention plans, reporting protocols, and protections for vulnerable students statewide. 

Mass. Dept. of Public Health – Bullying Prevention

Offers comprehensive tips for communities, schools, and families to prevent bullying and create safe environments. Covers strategies like building empathy and supporting bystanders. 

DESE – Bullying Prevention & Intervention Plan

Massachusetts public schools are required to follow state regulations (603 CMR 49.00) and maintain Posted Bullying Prevention Plans, with guidance on IEP inclusion and equity protections. 

603 CMR 49.00 – MA DESE Notification Regulations

State regulations detailing school duties after uncovering bullying or retaliation:

• School leaders must notify parents (both target and aggressor) promptly after incidents occur

• If criminal behavior may be involved, schools must notify law enforcement

• Notifications must respect confidentiality laws and be provided in the home’s primary language 

Technical Assistance Advisory SPED 2011‑2 – MA DESE

A policy advisory focusing on students with disabilities, emphasizing:

• The need to address bullying within the IEP process

• Schools must assess if a child’s disability increases bullying risk and build anti-bullying strategies into their IEP

• Includes tools and recommendations for integrating bullying prevention and response into special education planning

Federation for Children with Special Needs - Bullying: What Parents Need to Know 

A parent-oriented guide that explains:

• What constitutes bullying under MA law

• School responsibilities for prevention, reporting, and intervention

• Practical tools for parents—how to support your child and advocate for inclusion in an IEP or 504 Plan 

Office for Civil Rights (OCR), U.S. Department of Education

Federal oversight agency that enforces anti-discrimination laws, including bullying based on protected traits (disability, race, gender, etc.).

• Offers guidance to schools on investigations, creating safe environments, and preventing retaliation

• Helps families file complaints if bullying becomes harassment under federal law Education Week
  
  

Massachusetts Aggression Reduction Center (MARC, Bridgewater State University)

Provides free or low-cost SEL curricula, workshops, and training for families and schools—including cyberbullying resources. 

Massachusetts Advocates for Children (MAC)

Offers webinars, fact sheets, and guidance on bullying protections for students with disabilities, including how to address issues within IEPs. 

Children's Law Center of MA - Bullying & Harassment Prevention Orders Brochure 

This resource is a parent-friendly legal guide that explains your rights under Massachusetts law if your child is experiencing bullying. It outlines what schools are required to do and when families can seek additional protections, such as court-issued Harassment Prevention Orders. It’s especially helpful for families of students with disabilities who may need added support or advocacy.

National & Inclusive Resources

StopBullying.gov (HHS)
Federal site offering state-by-state guides, tips on supporting victims, bystander intervention, and cyberbullying info.

GLSEN
Focuses on LGBTQ+ student safety by providing inclusive anti-bullying guides, Safe Space Kits, and advocacy tools in MA and beyond.

PACER National Bullying Prevention Center
Offers resources on disability-inclusive bullying prevention, tip sheets, and parent strategies.

Cybersmile
International organization offering cyberbullying support services and digital kindness education.

Bystander Revolution
Crowdsourced tips and videos empowering kids to act if they witness bullying. 

AbilityPath: 

This resource is designed to empower parents, educators, and peers with respectful, neuro-affirming tools—promoting environments where differences are understood, valued, and protected.

Early Childhood Bullying Prevention Guide
A comprehensive guide created by early childhood development experts that outlines types of bullying, its negative impact on young children, and practical strategies for parents, educators, and caregivers to address bullying in early childhood settings.