House of Representatives Passes Anti-Bullying Bill

Prohibits Bullying and Cyber-bullying

 

BOSTON State Representative John P. Fresolo joined his colleagues in the Massachusetts House of Representatives in passing legislation that would prohibit bullying and cyber-bullying while requiring schools to develop a bullying prevention plan and integrate bullying prevention instruction into their curriculum.

"This bill aims to secure our students from bullying both during the school day and after school hours," House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo said. "In light of recent tragedies, the House has taken the appropriate steps to protect our students from the terror of bullying and cyber-bullying."

"Today's bullying is different than it has been in the past," said Representative Fresolo. "The widespread use of electronic devices has been a catalyst for new types of bullying. This legislation addresses the various threats that can be made via social networking sites, text messages and instant messaging. As a membership we wanted legislation that called for strong action when bullying occurs, and strives to restore a school environment of respect and decency in the too many schools where it is missing."

The bill prohibits bullying at school including at school-sponsored events, on school busses and at school bus stops as well as the use of electronic devices to carry out cyber-bullying. The bill also bans bullying or cyber-bullying that takes place outside of school if the bullying affects the school environment.

In an effort to protect against incidents of bullying across the Commonwealth, the bill requires schools to add bullying prevention instruction to their curriculum and offer information about bullying prevention to parents. It also well provides for the training of teachers and staff in the identification, prevention, and response to bullying among students.

The legislation would apply to public schools, charter schools and schools providing special education services to students for school districts. It also requires each of these entities to develop a bullying prevention and intervention plan. Such plans must include methods for responding to bullying, guidelines for giving notice to parents of those involved in bullying and appropriate services for students who have been bullied or acted as a bully.