BOSTON (AP) - Massachusetts House lawmakers have launched debate on a bill designed to clamp down on school bullies.

The bill would ban bullying in schools and create an expanded
definition of bullying to include so-called cyberbullying, which
includes harassing fellow students by e-mails, text messages or
social media networks.

The House bill is being criticized by advocates who say it is
weaker than the version approved by the Senate last week.

They say the House version strips away key Senate provisions
including mandatory reporting of bullying and cyberbullying in
schools, and required training for teachers. The House bill also
fails to include non-public schools.

Gov. Deval Patrick has expressed support for the Legislature's
push to restrict bullying in schools.