BOSTON -- After a rash of teen suicides attributed to bullying, Beacon Hill is taking action to stop harassment in schools and online.

The anti-bullying bill, similar to laws currently in effect in 41 other states, is designed to help to prevent bullying in schools across the state.

"Too many times, students are told, just ignore it. It's kids being kids. Let me pose a question: As an adult when you go into work, do you have to worry about a co-worker harassing you or physically hurting you?" asked author and student Brigitte Berman.

Calling on the public not to be bystanders and to contact their legislators, advocates said their bill would mandate prevention and intervention plans in every school to stop bullying in schools, buses and cyberspace. Most importantly, they would require parents to be notified.

Carl Hoover's mother said the day her 11-year-old son killed himself, she was never told that his life had been threatened during a fight at school.

"When I talked with the principal the next day, she said that the mediation, which is what my son told me, is that they had to eat lunch together for the rest of the week," said Sirdeaner Walker. "Would you want your child to sit and eat lunch with that person that bullied them for the rest of the week?"

With the prevalence of the Internet and cell phones, bullying can continue around the clock.

"Cyber-bulling has really changed the nature of this. It's now moving beyond the schools, into people's homes," said Education Committee Chairman Sen. Robert O'Leary.

Theresa Jackson's autistic son is also is a victim.

"He's been recorded by a student and placed on the Internet. Children threatened to kill him -- children kicked him, slapped him, terrible things have happened and the school was not supportive," she said.

The Senate is expected to approve the bill next week with House action likely shortly thereafter. Gov. Deval Patrick already has voiced his support.

The mandates are expected to be in place by the start of the next school year.

Parents and students can contact their local representative about the bill by visiting the Anti-Defamation League's Web site.