Parents in Pennsylvania may soon face hefty penalties if their children engage in bullying behavior. Representative Lisa Carter, a Democrat from Cambria, has proposed a bill that would impose a fine of $500 on parents whose children are found to be repeat bullies within a single school year. “Bullying is often underreported and frequently ignored,” Carter stated. “When left unaddressed, it can escalate from hurtful comments and cyberbullying to severe consequences, including physical violence and sadly, even suicide.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported alarming statistics, noting a significant rise in the suicide rates among teenagers, with rates for girls reaching a 40-year high between 2015 and 2017. Carter was motivated to tackle this issue after witnessing the impact of bullying in local schools.
“If holding parents accountable is necessary to curb their children’s negative behavior, then we need to take that step,” Carter emphasized. “With the rise of cyberbullying, we cannot afford to ignore this crisis. No child should have to attend school feeling fearful or ashamed.”
Proposed Legislation Details
The proposed legislation aims to give both students and their parents a chance to correct behavior before fines are enforced. Schools would be required to notify parents each time their child is involved in bullying. After the first incident, parents would learn how the school handled the situation. Upon the second incident, parents must attend a specialized bullying education class and participate in a resolution conference. If their child is found bullying for a third time or more within the same academic year, the parents could receive a court citation leading to a fine of up to $500, as well as potential community service obligations.
As districts across the nation grapple with bullying, some are adopting similar measures. For example, the Plover Village Board in Wisconsin implemented an ordinance that fines parents of repeat offenders $124, with a warning system in place before fines are issued.
Supportive Measures Included
Carter believes that the legislation should not merely penalize parents but also include supportive measures. The proposed law would establish a system under the Department of Education for anonymous bullying reporting and provide real-time data regarding bullying incidents in schools. “Accountability at all levels—students, parents, and officials—is essential to combat this pervasive issue,” Carter concluded.
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Conclusion
In summary, Pennsylvania is considering a bill that would hold parents financially accountable for their children’s bullying behavior, aiming to address a serious issue that affects students’ well-being. With provisions for education and support alongside penalties, the legislation seeks to create a safer school environment for all students.
Keyphrase: Pennsylvania anti-bullying bill
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