Pennsylvania Safe Schools Event Engages Educators on Bullying Issues

Nationally renowned experts offer best prevention practices on Cyberbullying and harassment of gay and lesbian youth; explore collaborations between school and law enforcement for safe school environments.

HARRISBURG, Pa., May 4 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Center for Safe Schools today announced that prominent experts on school violence prevention will convene in Harrisburg today for the Pennsylvania Safe Schools Conference. The event is presented by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Pennsylvania State Police, Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency and Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency.

The conference is bringing together more than 800 teachers, school officials, law enforcement personnel, researchers and community members. Topics to be addressed include bullying prevention, emergency planning and preparedness, school crisis response, threat assessment, school building security, Internet safety, collaborating with law enforcement and an update on statewide school safety initiatives. Highlights include:

Keynote Address – Tuesday, May 4, 9:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Stan Davis, author and nationally recognized expert on bullying prevention will present a keynote address.

General Session – Tuesday, May 4, 3:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Preventing and Responding to Digital Dangers

Risky digital activity like cyberbullying, sexting and harassment have the potential to subject youth to long-term consequences and can create significant issues for the school or community. This panel will discuss the legal implications of digital misconduct and the far-reaching consequences for both schools and communities.

General Session – Wednesday, May 5, 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Mary Margaret Kerr, Director of the University of Pittsburgh's STAR-Center will present information on crisis prevention and intervention.

Event location: Hilton Harrisburg, 1 North Second Street in Harrisburg, Pa.

Editors: Reporters and photographers are encouraged to attend; photo ops and interviews available.

For more information, to schedule interviews or for a complete schedule of events, call (717) 903-0219 or email [email protected]. Conference details at www.safeschools.info/ssconf2010.

SOURCE Center for Safe Schools