( CNN ) -- CNN and the Cartoon Network 's presentation of the AC360Â° special feature , `` The Bully Effect , '' spotlight a serious issue affecting children across our nation . The film underscores the damaging consequences of bullying and the need to prevent and respond to it . Lawmakers have a responsibility to ensure that our schools are safe , which is why I have made addressing this problem a priority in the United States Senate . I firmly believe that all children have a right to an education free from fear of being bullied . The denial of this basic right is a betrayal of children who simply want to learn . Anderson Cooper : Say no to bullying . The impact of bullying for students and for our nation are severe . In an era when a quality education matters greatly in a competitive global economy , students must be able to focus on their studies . Bullying distracts students who worry more about surviving the day unscathed than about the grades on their report card . Research has indicated that bullying causes increased absenteeism , dropout rates and academic underachievement , all of which undermine a child 's ability to succeed in the classroom and beyond . I am particularly disturbed by stories of bullied youth who feel powerless to change their situation and who choose not to seek help from adults . A recent report from a newspaper in my home state of Pennsylvania told the story of a 12-year-old boy who regularly asks his parents not to report when he has been bullied because he fears possible retaliation . Rather than speak up about the threatening environment at school , he felt that his only option was to keep quiet or risk making things worse . Putting an end to bullying will require a consistent message from adults , including lawmakers , that young people can make a real difference in their lives and the lives of others when they speak up about bullying and harassment . Recently , I reintroduced bipartisan legislation to help prevent bullying and harassment -- the Safe Schools Improvement Act . My bill , which I 'm proposing with co-sponsor Sen. Mark Kirk , R-Illinois , will require school districts that receive federal funding to develop codes of conduct that specifically ban bullying and harassment . This includes cyberbullying and bullying based on a student 's actual or perceived race , color , national origin , sex , disability , sexual orientation , gender identity or religion . At the end of the 112th Congress , 41 senators had joined Senator Kirk and me in supporting this important , commonsense legislation . A new study found that the psychological side effects of bullying can extend up to a decade after the harassment has ended . Moreover , this elevated risk of mental health effects occurs not only with victims of bullying but also with the bullies themselves . Faced with the possibility of such far reaching consequences , it is more important than ever that we put a stop to the intimidation of our youth . I applaud those who are already working to make schools a place where all children can achieve their full potential without fear of being bullied , and I urge my colleagues in Congress to work with me in passing the Safe Schools Improvement Act . Watch the AC360 special documentary , `` The Bully Effect , '' on March 3 and March 9 at 8 p.m . ET on CNN . The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Robert Casey . Watch Anderson Cooper 360° weeknights 10pm ET . For the latest from AC360° click here .
Robert Casey : All children have a right to an education free from being bullied . Casey : I reintroduced bipartisan legislation to help prevent bullying and harassment . He says lawmakers have a responsibility to ensure that our schools are safe . Casey : I urge my colleagues in Congress to pass the Safe Schools Improvement Act .