CHICAGO (AP) — Illinois' public schools will have to instate anti-bullying policies under a new law that Gov. Pat Quinn has signed.

The Chicago Democrat signed the bill Thursday at a Chicago elementary school.

He says the law will protect students inside and outside of the classroom. The law takes effect immediately.

It requires all public schools to create and implement an anti-bullying policy.

School policies must detail a definition of bullying, procedures for reporting bullying and parental notification. The policies should also include the investigation of reports of bullying and actions that may be taken to address it. State education officials will monitor to make sure schools implement the policies.

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