State Representative Mark Falzone joined his colleagues in the Massachusetts Legislature in approving comprehensive legislation prohibiting bullying and cyber-bullying. In a decisive move to help schools address bullying, the law directs schools to implement bullying prevention and intervention plans, and requires school staff to report incidents of bullying.

Representative Falzone emphasized, “We have seen recently the tragic consequences when bullying runs rampant and out of control. I am pleased that this legislation demonstrates that we understand the seriousness of these consequences and takes important steps in training, reporting, and dealing with episodes of bullying in our schools. It is the strongest anti-bullying law in the country.”

Under the new law, schools are required to include bullying prevention in their curriculum and to develop and implement plans to address bullying. In order to stop bullying when it happens, the legislation requires school staff to report incidents of bullying to the principal, who must then investigate and take appropriate disciplinary action.

The law prohibits bullying on school grounds, school busses, at school-sponsored activities, and through the use of electronic communications.

In an effort to control costs for schools, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is required to identify low cost and free options for professional development for school staff. The Department is also required to develop a model bullying prevention and intervention plan schools can use in developing their own plans.

In recognition of the role that parents have in preventing and stopping bullying, the law requires principals to notify parents of both the victim and perpetrator when bullying has occurred. The law also involves parents by requiring that schools consult parents in the development of their anti-bullying plans and that schools offer information to parents on bullying prevention.

In addition, children on the Autism spectrum and children who are vulnerable to bullying because of a disability must have provisions in their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) to ensure they obtain the skills to avoid and respond to bullying.

“I’m proud that the legislature has passed this landmark anti-bullying legislation to protect our students from bullying both during the school day and after school hours,” House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo said. “This law implements much-needed, strict guidelines to help secure our children from the terror of bullying and cyber-bullying.”

“It is imperative that we dramatically change school cultures so children can learn in safe environments,” said Representative Marty Walz, House Chair of the Joint Committee on Education. “Now that the Governor has signed this bill, Massachusetts has the strongest anti-bullying law in the country.”

The law prohibits retaliation against a person who reports bullying, who provides information during an investigation of bullying, or who is a witness to or has reliable information about bullying.

This legislation will next be considered by the Massachusetts Senate.