Is there a criminal law against bullying in Massachusetts?
Hello. My daughter had a difficult school year last year. Her high school in Worcester has a bullying prevention and intervention plan but she continues to be bullied and cyber-bullied by other girls in her class. I’d like to address this so she can enjoy senior year. Is there some criminal law against Cyberbullying in Massachusetts? Thank you for your help.
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The recent horrific case in Hadley, Massachusetts has brought this issue to light not only in Massachusetts but nationally and consequently your daughter is receiving the benefits through her school bullying prevention program. In addition, there are several criminal laws in Massachusetts that could be invoked in your daughter’s situation which address bullying conduct as criminal with criminal penalties: (1) Mass. Gen. Laws C. 265 Section 43-Stalking, (2) Mass. Gen. Laws Chapter 265 Section 43A-Criminal Harassment, (3) Mass. Gen. Laws C. 269 Section 14A-Annoying Telephone calls/or Electronic Communication.
