Assemblyman Bill Magnarelli (D-Syracuse) announced Assembly passage of legislation he authored requiring information on Shaken Baby Syndrome be included in the already required parenting instruction curriculum at the high school level (A.6832).

"Shaken Baby Syndrome is a growing problem that kills between one-fourth and one-third of its victims," Magnarelli said. "Of the infants that survive this brutal act, more than half suffer from severe injuries and impairments. My legislation would educate students on how dangerous shaking a baby is. I strongly urge the Senate to pass this bill and for the governor to sign it into law."

Currently, schools are authorized to include instruction regarding child development and parenting skills and responsibilities prior to graduation. Magnarelli’s bill would require the parenting instruction to include information about Shaken Baby Syndrome. This information will include material on the consequences of these problems and strategies for prevention. A video on Shaken Baby Syndrome may also be shown to all secondary school students.

This legislation enhances a law Magnarelli authored last year that made New York the first state to ensure new parents are given the opportunity to watch a video about the dangers of shaking young babies and how they can help protect their children from this often fatal action (Ch. 219 of 2004).

"Shaken Baby Syndrome often occurs when people take their frustrations out on a child, not intending any harm," Magnarelli said. "They don’t realize how dangerous shaking an infant can be. By presenting information in a non-threatening way, it’s likely that SBS cases will decrease. Reaching out to our youngsters is an effective way to get the message across that shaking a baby can result in death or severe disability."