Bill intended to watch out for bullied school kids awaits a vote in the Illinois Senate

Posted on May 3, 2023
Croke’s bill has passed the House and awaits a Senate vote. (WJBC file photo)

By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – In the year 2023, bullying means cyberbullying. 

A proposal in the legislature would update existing law and require Illinois public schools to contact a parent or guardian within 24 hours of their child being bullied.

“Unfortunately, I’ve had a couple of younger constituents who have committed suicide because of cyberbullying,” said the House sponsor, State Rep. Margaret Croke (D-Chicago). “We are seeing suicide as the second leading cause of death for this age group. So I felt like some action needed to be taken so parents could at least try to intervene. Bullying is no longer relegated to a schoolyard situation, where a kid can escape it.”

Croke’s bill has passed the House and awaits a Senate vote.

HB 3425

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected]

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