Massachusetts lawmakers are moving forward on legislation mandating that schoolchildren with autism be trained to deal with bullying.

The effort comes after a survey released last year found that 9 in 10 children with autism in the state experienced bullying at school.

In addition to requiring training for students with autism, the anti-bullying measure now under consideration by Massachusetts legislators would outlaw bullying at school, at related events and via school computers. The legislation would also require schools to establish plans to prevent bullying and intervene if it does occur.

Further, the proposed law goes so far as to prohibit bullying conducted in person or online outside of school, but which “affects the school environment.”

The bill passed through a legislative committee Tuesday and is now headed to the state Senate for consideration, reports The Boston Globe. To read more click here.

Read more stories like this one. Sign up for Disability Scoop's free email newsletter to get the latest developmental disability news sent straight to your inbox.