Proposed bill would fine parents $500 if their child is bullying others

EBENSBURG, Pa. - State Rep. Frank Burns is proposing a bill that would hold parents accountable if their child is found to be bullying other children.

Under the bill, parents of the bully would face a fine of up to $500.

“When it’s not addressed, bullying can escalate quickly from taunts and hurtful online posts to physical assaults and—in worst cases—suicide," said Burns.

Burns continued saying, "holding students, parents and officials at all levels accountable is the only way to put an end to this scourge."

The representative's proposal has three phases. Under the legislation, the first time a child is found to be bullying, the school would be required to inform the bully's parents of the incident and how the school handled the situation.

A second incident would require parents to take a class on bullying and to attend a bullying resolution conference, with a third incident resulting in a court citation and a fine of up to $500.

“If holding parents accountable is what it takes to reel in their kids’ bad behavior, then let’s do it,” said Burns.