AUGUSTA — Cyber bullying is being targeted by a pair of bills Maine lawmakers are taking up.

Democratic Rep. Don Pilon of Saco is sponsoring a bill focusing on the prevention of bullying via electronic devices. It would require school boards to adopt policies on cyber bullying and include a procedure to report offensive behavior to authorities. The bill also makes bullying a civil violation.

Similar legislation by Democratic Rep. Terry Morrison of South Portland would require a bullying prevention policy to include cyber bullying by Aug. 15, 2012. The two bills are expected to be combined in a single bill.

Supporters say bullying — especially by electronic messaging or cell phones — has grown into a huge problem.