County Offers Bullying Prevention Seminar

A parent-youth summit, “Bullying and Cyber-bullying: What You Need to Know,” will be held Wednesday, Nov. 16, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Meadow Wood Manor on Route 10 in Randolph.

The summit, sponsored by the Morris County Department of Human Services, is designed to educate and enlighten parents, youth, law enforcement officials, educators and community members about the serious issues of bullying and cyber-bullying in an effort to help them effectively address and put an end to the problems they present, said Stephen Nebesni, the department’s Municipal Alliance Coordinator.

Among the speakers on the evening’s agenda is Detective Mark Castellano, a veteran of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, who is known across the county for his dynamic presentations to a variety of audiences on internet safety, bullying and cyber-bullying.

Also on the program is High Point Regional High School sophomore Ashley Craig, the creator of the Students Against Being Bullied (S.A.B.B.) program in her school.

The featured speaker will be award-winning author Naomi Drew, who has more than 25 years of experience in the field of conflict resolution, peacemaking and anti-bullying.

“Bullying and cyber-bullying are critical issues being faced in our schools and communities,” Nebesni said.  “The parent-youth summit will discuss how these problems have evolved in our high-tech world and their implications for our young people.”

The summit is free and a light dinner will be provided.  With seating limited and on a first come, first serve basis, pre-registration by Nov. 1 is required.  To register or to obtain more information, call 1-866-782-5273.

The program is being supported by the Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders, the Mental Health Substance Abuse Advisory Board, the County Alliance Steering Subcommittee, the Municipal Alliances of Morris County, the Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, Morris County Partners in Substance Abuse Prevention, Morris County Prevention is Key and Saint Clare’s Health System.