Representative Mark Falzone joined other members of the Massachusetts House of Representatives in passing legislation that prohibits bullying and cyber-bullying, and requires schools to develop a bullying prevention plan and to integrate bullying prevention instruction into their curriculum.

The bill prohibits bullying at schools – including 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 outside of school if the bullying affects the school environment.

Representative Falzone stated, “This legislation is extremely important to ensure the safety and well-being of our children in the Commonwealth. Too many children are being subjected to bullying and cyber-bullying, and I believe this bill will help to drastically reduce that number. It is essential that we continue to use every available resource to provide protections for our children and make the schools a safe and learning-friendly environment for every child.”

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will be required to set regulations mandating teachers and staffers to report incidents of bullying. It also dictates that a school must promptly investigate reports of bullying and notify law enforcement if the bullying would result in criminal charges.

Under this new legislation teachers and staff will be provided with training on identifying, preventing and responding to incidents of bullying. There will also be services for students who have been bullied, or have acted as a bully. The legislation will apply to public and charter schools, as well as schools providing special education services to students for school districts.