(NECN) - Mass. House passed legislation that enhances a 2010 anti-bullying bill, 143-4.
Wednesday's bill creates a statewide data reporting system that would ensure statistics are being complied throughout the state to monitor what's working and what's not. It also recognizes certain groups of people as more vulnerable to bullying.
The original legislation in 2010 prohibited bullying and cyber-bullying; it also required schools to create programs to combat it. The bill passed by lawmakers Wednesday also creates a database that will collected and report trends that can help educators, administrators and legislators respond appropriately to bullying.
"We are fortunate to have an exceptional educational system in Massachusetts and it is our duty to ensure students are safe and are able to maximize these resources to the full extent. I believe this legislation will allow us to better understand and prevent bullying," House Speaker Robert DeLeo (D-Winthrop) said in a press release.
