Issue Position: School Safety and Cyber Bullying

Issue Position

Bullying and cyberbullying interferes with learning, limits student opportunity, and creates an unhealthy classroom environment. The proliferation of social media and other internet tools exacerbates these problems, because leaving school at the end of the day rarely ends the harassment for victims. In some instances, it is far worse away from school. Tragically, some of the most abusive behavior has resulted in students dropping out of school, needing extensive psychological counseling, or even committing suicide.

While a part of the AG's Office, Maura took part in extensive work to address school bullying. She helped to support of the passage of the landmark 2010 anti-bullying law which requires schools to create policies and provide training to address bullying. That law also called for a commission, chaired by the Attorney General, to make suggestions about further revisions to the law. Maura assisted the work of the commission, including the creation of the final report, and supported the adoption of the proposed changes by the Legislature and trained police and law enforcement on cyber bullying. In addition, under Maura's leadership, the Civil Rights Division responded to hundreds of concerned parents whose children were affected by bullying.

As Attorney General, Maura will provide resources to parents and schools to combat bullying. Maura will utilize all available tools to stop individuals who harass other students so excessively that it interferes with their secured right to an education. Maura will also champion effective programs and creative solutions, particularly those that are effective in combating bullying against the most vulnerable students in our schools.

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