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State Capitol

Bill that Would Define Bullying in Ky. Public Schools Passes Out of House Committee

ipsnews.net

A bill that would officially define ‘bullying’ within schools across Kentucky is headed for the House floor.  The measure, sponsored by Richmond Representative Rita Smart, emerged from the House Education Committee Tuesday.  Smart says in Madison County more and more children are being home schooled because of bullying.  “They used to have a few children in a home bound program because of a broken leg or infection, but now they have more because of anxiety and mental health issues, and it costs them," Smart said. "They have to have a teacher for those children.” 

Smart says ‘harassment’ is defined, but not bullying and she believes it would serve to heighten awareness of the issue. 

Wayne Young with the State School Administrators Association says school administrators support the measure but it may need a little further review.  “We certainly do a lot of training, a lot of work preventing it," Young said. "But we don’t have any state definition or policy that directly addresses bullying.  So certainly we think that’s a good thing, but probably just needs some refinement."   

The bill heads to? the House floor.?

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