State House (Boston) – Senator Cynthia Stone Creem (D. Newton) voted on Thursday in support of bills which would ban bullying and update nutritional standards in schools.  The anti-bullying legislation prohibits physical, verbal and written acts that threaten or cause harm to another student, including “cyber-bullying,” while a separate school nutrition bill will require the establishment of nutritional standards for food and beverages sold in schools. 

The anti-bullying bill requires all school districts, charter schools and non-public schools to develop prevention and intervention plans by December 31, 2010.  Plans would need to include procedures for investigating bullying incidents, notifying parents and determining appropriate disciplinary actions.  The bullying ban extends to all school facilities, school-sponsored functions, school buses and bus stops.  “This bill is so important,” said Senator Creem, “as bullying is a pervasive problem that not only affects the victim and perpetrator, but creates a hostile environment within a school.  This bill will help to increase the safety of our schools for all children.”

The Senate also passed a bill establishing new nutritional standards in schools to address the problem of childhood obesity. The standards will be developed by the Department of Public Health and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and will include requirements for the availability of free drinking water, fresh fruits and vegetables, and nutritional information for non-packaged foods.  Food and beverages in school cafeterias, vending machines and other locations in public schools, aside from federal meal programs, must be in compliance.  The regulations will not apply to bake sales, concession stands and other school-sponsored events.  “Providing nutritious food to children will help to establish healthy eating habits that will follow children throughout their lives,” said Senator Creem, “and I am pleased that the State Senate has recognized the importance of this.”

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