MA House approves anti-bullying bill

BOSTON, MASS (AP) - Massachusetts House lawmakers have unanimously approved a bill designed to clamp down on school bullies.

The bill would ban bullying, require school districts to draft anti-bullying prevention plans and expand the definition of bullying to include the growing problem of cyberbullying.

Advocates had criticized the House bill for being weaker than the version approved by the Senate last week.

During the debate, House lawmakers toughened up the language, requiring teachers and school workers to report all incidents of bullying to the principal and requiring anti-bullying training for
teachers.

Gov. Deval Patrick has expressed support for the anti-bullying effort.

The bills gained momentum after the suicides of students in South Hadley and Springfield.