Will focus on children be enough to get help for parents?

Pamela Atkinson, a community advocate and chairwoman of the Utah Coalition Against Pornography, spoke in favor of the bill. She said her organization, like other social advocacy groups, is willing to provide resources and information to schools or even present during the seminars to lessen the burden placed on the education community.

"We are just not reaching enough children," she said.

Eliason said the bill is not designed to place a burden on schools but rather asks school boards to use existing resources and facilities to provide a setting where parents have the ability to learn from professionals.

He said the bill makes it clear that parents are responsible to watch for warning signs in a student's development, but also provides a chance for them to educate themselves on the issues their children face.

"This is not a comprehensive approach, it doesn’t solve all the problems, but if it saves one life, its definitely worth it," he said

The bill was ultimately advanced through the committee by a 9-3 vote. It will now go before the full House for debate.

E-mail: benwood@desnews.com