Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility House approves O’Mara bill to require parental notification of bullying in schools

House approves O’Mara bill to require parental notification of bullying in schools

Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus    April 29, 2026 | 2:47 PM

HARRISBURG, April 29 — The House today approved a bipartisan bill sponsored by state Reps. Jennifer O’Mara, D-Delaware, and Danillo Burgos, D-Phila., that makes strides toward protecting children and addressing the youth mental health crisis.

House Bill 830, which passed the House by a vote of 136-65, 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.

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."

House Bill 830 bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.