decorahnews.com special report continues: Is there a role for state legislators in counteracting bullying?

The Sioux City State Representative who introduced legislation at the State Capitol to hold parents accountable for the bullying actions of their kids admits state government cannot provide a "silver bullet" to end bullying.

Chris Hall says legislation probably cannot compel students to be civil to one another inside and outside the classroom.  But Hall, a Democrat, has been working with Republican legislators and with state officials to pass what he calls "structural supports" for efforts to deal with bullying.

Hall tells decorahnews.com, "I have been working closely with the Governor's office on a bill that will include language addressed at cyber-bullying.  My sense is that the Governor's legislation will be the best vehicle to move forward and practically address the issue."

He served as a discussion panelist in November at the statewide bullying prevention summit held in Des Moines and says the issue of cyber-bullying was raised frequently.  He's optimistic a bipartisan coalition can work to put together a bill that has Governor Branstad's support.

But although Hall is working hard to stop bullying, he says he also fully believes the effort must start at home.

(For a text of a Letter to the Editor written by Chris Hall, click on the next story).