Follow Up: 2025 MetroWest Anti-Bullying Coalition

MetroWest Anti-Bullying Coalition Forum: May 7, 2025

Dear Community:

Thank you so much for attending today’s Forum on Addressing and Preventing Identity-Based Bullying. Thank you also to our excellent presenters and panelists.

It was truly inspiring to be among such dedicated, action-oriented individuals united by a shared goal: promoting dignity and respect for all. Our gathering focused on solutions, and we’re excited to share that a Coalition website and series of Tip Sheets will launch this summer. This is just the beginning—we’ll be in touch with upcoming events, tools, and ways to stay engaged.

Next Steps

• Download Handouts from the Program
• Your input helps us improve and grow this work — thank you to everyone who has already filled it out! (Give Feedback HERE)
• Give Feedback on the Coalition Tip Sheets
• We’re developing these with you, for you — and your input is critical. Please take a moment to review and share your thoughts below.
• Join the Coalition Advisory Board
• Interested in helping shape our direction? Email us to connect about joining the Advisory Board.

Thank you again for being part of this meaningful and growing effort. Your insights will allow us to better address solutions and create positive change together!

Onward and Upward - With Gratitude,

Christine Guthery, cguthery@sparkkindness.org and Alyndra (Lynn) Canty, lcanty@sparkkindness.org

Resources from Attorney General's Office

"Thank you to all who attended the MetroWest Anti-Bullying Coalition event—your commitment to ending identity-based bullying and ensuring that all children feel a sense of inclusion and belonging in Massachusetts is truly appreciated." - Liza Hirsch, Dir, Children's Justice Unit, Office of the Attorney General) 

The Children’s Justice Unit webpage offers helpful resources focused on:

• Addressing hate and bullying in schools
• Protecting youth mental health through safe social media practices
• Ensuring equal access to education
• Supporting child welfare and juvenile justice

We invite you to explore the following resources, also linked for your convenience:

• Combating Hate in Our Schools: A Guide for Families and Students Addressing Hate and Bias in Schools Q&A
  • These easy-to-read flyers help educate school communities about hate and bullying. Translations are available on the Children’s Justice Unit webpage.
• Think Before You Send: Facts About Sexting and Cyberbullying
  • Developed as part of the AGO Youth Diversion Program, this pamphlet outlines the risks associated with sexting and cyberbullying.
• What is the STUDY Act?
  • Learn about legislation filed by the Attorney General’s Office to create phone-free schools and hold social media companies accountable for youth protections.
• Cell Phones and Social Media in Schools: A Toolkit for School Leaders and Communities
  • This toolkit offers guidance on managing the impact of cell phones in schools, model policies, community norms, and digital literacy resources.
• Addressing Hate in School Sports Initiative
  • In partnership with MASS, MIAA, DESE, and Northeastern University's Center for the Study of Sport in Society, this initiative offers customized anti-hate training for school communities. Schools may also apply for financial assistance for onsite training via the Addressing Hate in School Sports School Training Financial Assistance Application.
• AGO Youth Council - Applications Due Soon!
  • Apply for the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Youth Council by May 22, 2025—a unique opportunity for young people to advise the AG’s Office on issues like bias, mental health, and school safety.

To view these resources and more, visit the Children’s Justice Unit webpage.

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