Rep. Jennifer O’Mara, D-Delaware, is pictured speaking on behalf of House Bill 830, which will require schools to notify parents and guardians within 24 hours of a bullying incident. The bill passed the House of Representatives on Friday and will now be considered in the state Senate.

Legislation first introduced back in 2022 to require parents to be notified if their child is bullied in school is one step closer to becoming state law.

On Friday, the state House of Representatives approved a bipartisan bill sponsored by state Reps. Jennifer O’Mara, D-Delaware, and Danillo Burgos, D-Phila., that would require schools to have a policy for investigating a report of alleged bullying, and notify parents and legal guardians within 24 hours of establishing that a bullying incident occurred. The parents and legal guardians of the bullying target and aggressor would have to be notified.

The bill passed the House in a 136-65 vote with Rep. Kathy Rapp, R-Warren, among the votes against the bill, though several Republicans did vote in favor.

O’Mara said many children are not comfortable disclosing these incidents, so many parents are unaware that their child is involved in a bullying incident until it is too late.

“While some schools already do this, the law does not require it,” O’Mara said. “By investigating all allegations of bullying, we can determine if intervention is needed. Parents play a critical role in protecting their children and helping them navigate difficult situations, which is why a statewide standard for all schools is needed.”

The American Academy of Pediatrics reports suicide is the second-leading cause of death for children ages 10 to 14. Children who experience or perpetuate bullying are found to have an increased risk of suicidality.

“Parents can’t help their kids if they are not made aware of these things. My legislation gives parents the tools and safeguards they need to get their children support before the worst happens,” O’Mara said.

“Too often, families are left in the dark until a bullying situation escalates,” Burgos said. “When parents are informed early, they can step in, provide support, and work with educators to address problems before they become serious. Every student in Pennsylvania deserves to feel safe in their school, and every parent deserves the information they need to help make that possible.”

Such bills aren’t necessarily new. In Texas, “David’s Law” requires school districts to notify parents of both the victim and the alleged aggressor within a specific timeframe while Connecticut law requires parents to be notified within 48 hours after a bullying investigation is completed. House Bill 830 bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.