Mass. students recognize "No Name Calling Day"

(CBS) BOSTON - Students in schools around Massachusetts recognized "No Name Calling Day" on Wednesday.

CBS Boston reports the "holiday" is part of the anti-bullying legislation signed in May 2010. "No Make Calling Day" was set for Wednesday, Jan. 15 by Gov. Deval Patrick earlier this month.

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

Students wore black as a sign of their commitment to "Black Out Bullying."

Derek Shulman, the regional director for the Anti-Defamation League of New England 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.

"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 Shulman.