Information Sought for CDC Review of School Policies on E-Bullying
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is conducting a review of state, district, and school policies related to the use of such technology as cell phone text messaging and picture taking, blogs, and instant messaging to perpetrate aggression against peers (making threats, spreading rumors, sending embarrassing photos, etc.)
CDC has requested that districts or schools that have such a policy provide it or the appropriate contact information to Marci Hertz at mhertz@cdc.gov or 770-488-2547 by August 1, 2008.
Announcement of new GRANT FUNDING to prevent bullying in Pennsylvania Schools
The Center for Safe Schools, through a unique partnership with the Highmark Foundation, its Healthy High 5 Initiative, and the Pennsylvania Department of Education, is pleased to announce the availability of grants of up to $7500 for Pennsylvania schools to address the serious issue of bullying. Click here for details and to apply.
Center for Safe Schools receives grant from Highmark Healthy High Five
The Highmark Foundation, through its Highmark Healthy High 5 initiative, recently announced a $2.3 million grant and a new partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Center for Safe Schools in an effort to address the issue of bullying. To learn more, read the full press release.
Cyber-bullying Addressed In Pennsylvania's Newest Internet Safety Resource
In this fast changing world, schools and communities throughout the Commonwealth are challenged with the task of providing continuing education on the safe and responsible use of all technology. To support schools and communities with their efforts, the Center for Safe Schools is pleased to announce the release of the “Protecting Kids Online” educational resource. Produced in Pennsylvania, this 22 minute Internet safety video speaks to parents and caregivers on topics from understanding the serious repercussion of cyber-bullying to learning how to safeguard our children from online predators. A Protecting Kids Online DVD and User Guide were recently mailed to all of Pennsylvania’s elementary and middle public school principals, superintendents, Intermediate Units and charter schools.
This new educational video is part of the Protecting Kids Online (PKO) Internet safety initiative sponsored by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime & Delinquency in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Pennsylvania State Police and coordinated by the Center for Safe Schools. Designed for both adult audiences and elementary, middle and high school audiences, PKO presentations address all the current Internet topics including protecting personal information, cyber-bullying, social networking sites and online predators.
Over 500 Pennsylvania law enforcement officers have received certification as PKO instructors. To determine an officer’s availability to present this program in your school or community, visit www.safeschools.info or www.center-school.org/pko. For more information about the Protecting Kids Online initiative contact Mary Dolan, Safe Schools Coordinator at 717-763-1661, ext. 151 or at mdolan@csc.csiu.org
Updated Pennsylvania Bullying Prevention Certified Trainer Directory Now Available
An up-to-date list of Olweus Bullying Prevention certified trainers is now available. Members of the Pennsylvania Bullying Prevention Network have earned certification in the Olweus model and receive ongoing professional development on “best practices” in the field. The Olweus Bullying Prevention program is one of 11 Blueprints for Violence Prevention programs which meet the strict scientific standard of program effectiveness. The Olweus program includes school, classroom and individual components, a school-wide survey, established rules against bullying behavior and intervention strategies for bullies, bystanders and victims.
The implementation of the Olweus program begins with a certified trainer training a bullying prevention committee at your school. A student is survey is utilized to identify and address the bullying behavior occurring in the school building. Strategies for prevention and intervention are then developed in response to the identified needs. The trainer supports the committee as they implement the 3 components of this bullying prevention model. This comprehensive approach to bullying prevention involves the faculty, staff, student population and requires a strong commitment from administration and parent involvement.
For further information on bullying prevention services, availability and costs, please contact a member of the Network or the Center for Schools and Communities.
Trainers are listed by office location and may be contacted to determine availability in additional counties. For assistance in locating a trainer, please contact Mary Dolan, Program Coordinator at the Center for Schools and Communities at 717-763-1661 ext. 151 or by e-mail at mdolan@csc.csiu.org.