Tonawanda, NY -- A new law in one New York community is getting a lot of attention. The law holds the parent responsible if their child is caught bullying another, ABC News reports.
A small town mom whose son was violently bullied is turning her heartache into hard-hitting action.
Victoria Crago says her son was ruthlessly attacked by an eighth grade classmate right in front of her.
Crago set up a Facebook Page, calling out pervasive bullying in her town. The incident with her son sparking outrage and prompting local lawmakers to pass a sweeping anti-bullying law that puts pressure squarely on parents.
"The judge could give a fine of up to $250 and or 15 days in jail, but in reality what we're looking for is to engage the parents in the process and try and work on a solution," says Luke Brown.
It's a steep penalty - some say goes too far?
One mom commenting on the Facebook Page, "You can't make parents parent their kid."
The new law is modeled after a similar push to hold parents accountable in Wisconsin.
According to stopbullying.gov, 28% of students from 6th to 12th grade say they've been bullied. Bullying most common in middle school.
For Crago, the new laws send a clear and critical message: parents will pay the price for their kids bad behavior.
"I met a mother whose son took his life and that is something that can not be happening," says Crago.