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Students Recognize "No Name Calling Day" Across Massachusetts

BOSTON (CBS) - Students at a number of schools around Massachusetts recognized "No Name Calling Day" on Wednesday.

Part of the anti-bullying legislation signed in May 2010, "No Name Calling Day" was set for Wednesday, Jan. 25 by Gov. Deval Patrick earlier this month.

"In my role as Governor and as a father of two daughters, I firmly believe that every child should come to school knowing that they are safe and free from bullying," said Gov. Patrick via a press release.

Students were encouraged to wear black as a sign of their commitment to "Black Out Bullying."

"We know, from a long track record of experience, that names often, if not challenged and/or confronted, can lead to more significant insults and destructive behaviors, whether it be other acts of bias and discrimination, or even, in some cases, in can escalate into violence," said Derek Shulman, the regional director for the Anti-Defamation League of New England.

Shulman says banners are up in schools around the state that have a special emphasis on cyber bullying, which he calls rampant, with a devastating and long-term impact on young lives.

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