April 30, 2010 ... Sen. Richard T. Moore, D-Uxbridge, today announced that the Senate gave final approval to legislation that prohibits physical, verbal and written acts that threaten or cause harm to another student, including Internet “cyber-bullying.” The bill, which defines and bans bullying in schools, also requires that prevention and intervention plans be developed in every school across the commonwealth. The legislation was unanimously approved.

“The safety and well being of our children must extend beyond our homes and into our school systems so that parents, guardians, and loved ones may feel at ease every day when school begins,” said Sen. Moore. “This legislation promotes sensible, responsible guidelines to help curb any act of ‘bullying’ throughout the Commonwealth.” 

“For our children to thrive, it is imperative that we provide them with a safe and secure learning environment,” said Senate President Therese Murray, D-Plymouth. “Our goal with this legislation is to aid our schools in providing that environment, and give both students and parents peace of mind.”

“This bill represents the Senate’s commitment to ensure that every school in the Commonwealth is a place where children can feel safe and the threat of abuse, harassment, and bullying is not tolerated” said Sen. Robert O’Leary, D-Barnstable. “The final anti-bullying legislation provides a framework for schools to adequately address the damaging impacts of bullying in all its forms and offers a community wide solution to what can tragically become a community problem.” 

The final compromise bill extends the law to include all school facilities, school-sponsored functions, school buses and bus stops. It also requires all school districts, charter schools and non-public schools to develop prevention and intervention plans by December 31, 2010 that include procedures for investigating bullying incidents, notifying parents and determining appropriate disciplinary actions.

In addition to professional development for teachers and other staff to help them identify and prevent bullying, age-appropriate instruction for students in each grade on bullying prevention will be incorporated into a public school’s curriculum. These changes will go into effect beginning for next school year. 

School districts will also be required to offer education to parents about bullying prevention. The Department of Education will aid districts in identifying professional development opportunities that are either free or of little cost to the district. 

If and when bullying occurs, the bill requires all school staff to promptly report bullying to the principal when they witness or become aware of it. A school principal or his designee must immediately investigate and take appropriate disciplinary action. 

Principals are also required to notify local law enforcement of bullying incidents if there is reason to believe criminal charges may be pursued. Each school will be in charge of developing and implementing a plan of action that will meet the requirements of the legislation.

The legislation will now go to the Governor’s desk to be signed into law.

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