What does this measure?

The number of incidents of bullying reported by school districts, per 1,000 students in the school districts in a county or school district.

Why is this important?

Bullying can negatively affect a student's self-esteem, ability to concentrate and ability to learn. It may affect not only the targeted student, but also other students who feel afraid or insecure in an environment where bullying is occurring.

How is our county doing?

In 2017, there were 207 reported bullying incidents in Essex County, for a rate of 2.1 per 1,000 students. This was double the state rate of 1.0 in 2017, and higher than the 2013 rate of 1.6. Within Essex County, Salem Academy Charter (11) and Greater Lawrence Regional Vocational (8.8) had the highest rate among the districts.

How do we compare to similar counties?

Essex County had a rate much higher than Middlesex, MA (0.9), but lower than that of Westchester, NY (4.0).

Notes about the data

Comparable data was not available for Lake, IL. Bullying is defined by Massachusetts as the repeated use by one or more students of written, verbal or electronic expression or physical acts or gestures that cause physical or emotional harm or property damage, creates fear in the target of the bullying, creates a hostile environment, infringes on rights, or disrupts the educational process. New York has a slightly different definition.