Mass. Senate approves anti-bullying bill

BOSTON -- The Massachusetts Senate has unanimously approved a bill designed to clamp down on school bullies.

The bill would prohibit bullying at schools and discourage so-called cyberbullying by prohibiting the use of e-mails, text messages, Internet postings and other electronic means to create a hostile school environment.

“I think it’s going to be very effective because we also updated the new technology laws today to include instant messaging, texting, YouTube –- you name it. Anything you can actually reach out and touch another person on,” said Mass. Senate President Therese Murray (D).

Administrators would be required to publish an anti-bulling policy and create an anti-bullying curriculum for students.

School principals would also be required to report bullies to police if the principal believes that criminal charges could be pursued.

The push for anti-bullying legislation has gained momentum following the suicides of students in South Hadley and Springfield who had allegedly been tormented by classmates.

In a recent 7News/Suffolk University poll, 31 percent of parents said their children had been bullied. In the same poll, 61 percent of parents said they favored legislation that would make bullying a crime.

Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick said that while he favored the bill, he hoped it would be stricter.

“I think the question is, are we going to see a criminal element here? And, that does not seem to be on the radar of the the Legislature right now and I think it probably ought to be. But I would not hold up this bill for that,” Patrick said.

An amendment to criminalize bullying failed.

Civil Rights leaders applauded the bill.

“We’re very appreciative the Senate recognized how important an issue this is, and how kids have been suffering for years and become victims. By becoming victims of bullying, they end up, in some cases in suicide and in some cases violence. It’s extremely important,” said Arline Isaacson of Mass. Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus.

The bill now goes to the House for debate. It is expected to pass there as well.

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