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Repeated gossiping in public could soon become illegal in Saskatoon.

Rumour-mongering, name-calling, taunting, mocking and ostracizing would also be outlawed under a proposed anti-bullying bylaw.

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Saskatoon city council asked staff in February 2014 to draft a bylaw to address concerns about bullying. The final product will be considered by council on March 21.

The law as written would apply to such obvious public places as parks and streets, but also to such private establishments as bars and restaurants.

It would apply to people 12 years of age and older. The fine for a first offence could be as high as $300. And fines for subsequent offences could go as high as $2,500.

“I love it,” says retired Saskatoon police Sgt. Brian Trainor. “I think it’s an intermediary tool that the police can use instead of a slap on the wrist or doing nothing.”

Trainor, who now works as an education consultant and lectures on cyber-bullying, acknowledged the bylaw is broad, but suggests it may be modified before it becomes law.