House Passes Anti-Bullying Bill

The following announcement is from State Representative Paul Donato (D-Medford, Malden):

Bill Prohibits Bullying and Cyber-bullying

State Representatives Paul J. Donato (D-Medford), Carl M. Sciortino, Jr. (D-Medford) and Sean Garballey (D-Arlington, Medford) joined their 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.”

“Our schools need to be free from bullying in all forms – whether it comes on school grounds, away from school, or over cyberspace,” House Committee on Ways and Means Chairman Charles A. Murphy said. “With our actions today, we’re putting school officials, teachers, parents, and students on notice that bullying will not be allowed to interfere with a child’s ability to get an education.”

“The bullying of today is far different than in the past,” said Representative Marty Walz, House Chairwoman of the Joint Committee on Education. “The threat on the playground and in the locker room at school has morphed into an electronic menace that follows students home via social networking sites, text messages and instant messaging. This legislation requires 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.”

“I have been in the forefront on this issue for a long time,” said Representative Donato.” “I am so pleased that this law is now a reality.”

“Bullying creates an unsafe learning environment for all kids. Having a statewide model policy and training support for teachers and staff will go a long way to help ensure all kids can get the best education possible,” said Representative Sciortino.

“Recent events in Massachusetts have opened our eyes to the very real threats of bullying. As technology continues to change, there are new risks plaguing our children and it is our responsibility to protect them. This new legislation will extend our children’s protection rights against these new aggressors, deter cyber-bullying, and make a strong effort to change our school culture, which is absolutely essential in addressing bullying in our schools across the Commonwealth,” said Representative Garballey.

The bill prohibits bullying at school – including at school-sponsored events, on school buses 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.

The bill directs the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to set regulations requiring school teachers and staffers to report incidents of bullying. The legislation also dictates that a school must promptly investigate reports of bullying and notify local law enforcement if the bullying would result in criminal charges.

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.

Editor’s Note: Rep. Donato and School Committee member Ann Marie Cugno have organized a Cyber-Bullying Forum on Wednesday, April 7, 7:00PM at the McGlynn Middle School.

Members of the Medford Police Department will be participating in the forum and since the forum is at the same time as the police department’s monthly community meeting, they will be conducting the meeting at the forum. Bullying issues will “take precedence” and if there is time police will take questions on other issues.