Bullying Could Be Raised To Misdemeanor With New Bill

Representative, father, and one time bullying victim Kyle Mullins is among a group sponsoring bills 2053 and 564 which are aimed at defining bullying and making it a more serious crime than it currently is.

House Bill 2053 and Senate Bill 564 would define bullying in the PA state crime codes as "The intent to harass, annoy, alarm, or intimidate another person" and upgrade bullying from a summary offense to a misdemeanor charge.

Bullying, once just a problem within schools, now spills over to 24/7. With the internet and social media, bullying can happen continuously and around the clock.

"Today with advancements in technology and social media, bullies have more outlets at their disposal to constantly attack their victims well beyond school or even workplace boundaries. We are in an age where meanness can go unchecked. Where everyone is tougher behind a keyboard." Representative Mullins said on the bills.