State Reps. Rick Taylor and Tim Briggs, both D-Montgomery, joined by Bryan Lentz, D-Delaware, unveiled legislation they are introducing to strengthen bullying policies in Pennsylvania's public schools during a news conference at Radnor Middle School.
"No child should feel so hopeless that they would take their own life as a result of bullying, especially on a school's watch, Taylor said."This trend is becoming too predominant in Pennsylvania schools. The racially-motivated attacks on Asian-American students at South Philadelphia High School received national attention," Taylor said. "It is the intent of this legislation to empower students and teachers by providing them with the appropriate tools to address and control bullying and its dangerous ramifications."
Taylor and Briggs’ legislation would amend Pennsylvania's school code by expanding the language on bullying policy to apply it to incidences of harassment, intimidation and cyberbullying. In addition, the legislation would delineate to school administrators what actions they must take to provide notice and opportunities to report incidents, remedies for victims and harassment and bullying prevention training.
John Halligan, whose son Ryan committed suicide as a result of being bullied, was at the school giving a presentation to students about the dangers of bullying. Halligan has made it his life's mission to educate students, parents, and teachers throughout the nation about bullying, and is visiting several schools in Pennsylvania.
"I am very impressed with this effort to improve the bullying prevention law in Pennsylvania," said Halligan. "State laws are a necessary component of combating the issue, but unless schools follow through to see them carried out, then the words of those laws are only worth the paper they are printed on."
"Every child in Pennsylvania has the right to learn in an environment free from bullying and harassment and where they feel safe," Briggs said. "Bullying causes major stress for its victims and can have far-reaching effects on their emotional health, well-being and educational success. We need to proactively address this issue in Pennsylvania schools before we hear stories like those in the news more frequently."
The legislation also would require the Department of Education to routinely review bullying policies and report its findings to the General Assembly. It also would make schools' access to state grants through the Safe Schools program contingent upon approval of their bullying policies and compliance with reporting procedures.
"It’s often said that kids can say the meanest things, and because of public outrage about victims like Ryan Halligan, we are hoping to receive strong support and quick movement on this legislation," Lentz said. "Sadly, bullies do not realize the long-term ramifications their actions have on their victims, and they often are also suffering from emotional problems themselves. Children on the receiving end of that abuse are usually too embarrassed, scared or lack the self-esteem to stand up for themselves and tell an adult. We cannot let children turn into a silent punching bag."
Taylor and Briggs are seeking co-sponsors on the legislation, which they plan to formally introduce in coming weeks.
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