Mass. governor signs sweeping anti-bullying bill prompted by recent suicides of 2 students

Mass. gets new anti-bullying law in suicides’ wake

BOSTON — The governor of Massachusetts has signed a bill cracking down on school bullies and requiring teachers to report bullying to principals.

Gov. Deval Patrick signed the bill Monday. It had been passed after the suicides of two students who were said to be victims of intense harassment.

Sirdeaner Walker, of Springfield, called the bill a watershed moment. Her 11-year-old son, Carl Walker-Hoover, hanged himself at home last year. Walker said he had been tormented by classmates.

In January, 15-year-old Phoebe Prince killed herself after allegedly being bullied at South Hadley High School. Several classmates have pleaded not guilty in connection with her death.

The new law prohibits bullying on school property and outlaws cyberbullying.