Bullying & Harassment Overview

  • Bullying and Cyberbullying are strictly prohibited on school grounds, property immediately adjacent to school grounds, at school-sponsored or school-related activities, functions or programs whether on or off school grounds, at school bus stops, on school buses or other vehicles owned, leased or used by the Dedham Public Schools, or through the use of technology or an electronic device owned, leased or used by the Dedham Public Schools and at a location, activity, function or program that is NOT school-related, or through the use of technology or an electronic device that is not owned, leased or used by the Dedham Public Schools, if the bullying creates a hostile environment at school for the victim, infringes on the rights of the victim at school or materially and substantially disrupts the education process or the orderly operation of school.  MGL 37O 

Bullying At A Glance

  • What is a bully?  A bully is someone who tries to control others by verbal, emotional, or physical intimidation.

    What does a bully do?  A bully may threaten, taunt, tease, call names, hit, push, kick, punch, restrain another, gesture, intentionally exclude someone from the group, or refuse to comply with another person’s reasonable expectations, repeatedly and over time.

    Where can bullying occur?  Bullying can occur at the bus stop, on the bus, in the corridors, in the lavatories, in the classrooms, in the gym, in the locker room, in the cafeteria.

    What can you do if you are being bullied?  Tell a parent, teacher, advisor, counselor, principal, or the nurse, who can help you.

    What happens if you bully someone?  If you bully someone, you will be held accountable for your behavior.  Your parent or guardian will be called.  Bullying is considered harassment and may include:

    • E-mail

    • Social media sites 

    • Internet

    • Text messaging/instant messaging

How DPS Defines....

  • Bullying

  • Cyber-Bullying

  • Hostile Environment

  • Harassment

  • Sexual Harassment