A bill to require exploitation-awareness programs in Pennsylvania public schools has been approved by the state House of Representatives.
 
The bill was approved 177-18 Wednesday and sent to the Senate for consideration.
The bill would amend the Public School Code to require schools to establish programs to help children in kindergarten through eighth grade recognize and avoid exploitation, such as sexual abuse and abduction.
 
School principals would be required to notify parents about the program. Parents could withdraw their children from the program by signing an "opt out" form.