Manhasset, NY - October 22nd, 2013 - Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice announced today that her office’s anti-cyber-bullying program, “STOP Then Send,” will be presented in several communities in the coming months, and that she will host tomorrow’s presentation at Temple Judea in Manhasset.
The program, an innovative, multi-media presentation, is designed to teach kids and parents about the dangers of cyber-bullying, sexting, Internet predators, and social-networking websites.
“New technology and social networking sites have taken harassment and intimidation to new and increasingly dangerous levels,” DA Rice said. “This program created by my office will not only educate students, parents, and teachers about the dangers of cyber-bullying and the Internet, but it will also send a strong message to young people that the decision to press ‘send’ can have far-reaching and devastating consequences to themselves and others.”
The program encourages students to stop and consider four factors before sending an abusive text message, inappropriate photo, or insulting message board post or when using social networking sites, such as Facebook or Twitter:
- Study the content
- Think of others
- Only send if appropriate
- Photographs are forever
Last year, DA Rice’s office launched www.stopbullyingli.org, a website geared towards educating and supporting students, parents, and educators in their fight against cyber-bullying. In addition to helpful tips and resources, the website features a public service announcement starring Justin Bieber and a local teenager who was the victim of cyber-bullying.
Upcoming “STOP Then Send” presentations:
- Tuesday, Oct. 22 – Temple Judea in Manhasset at 7 p.m.
- Tuesday, Nov. 12 – Westbury Middle School at 6:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, Nov. 20 – Clarke High School in Westbury at 8:15 a.m.
- Tuesday, Nov. 26 – Westbury Middle School at 8 a.m.
- Tuesday, Dec. 10 – Castleton Academy High School in Oceanside at 10 a.m.
- Wednesday, Dec. 18 – East Meadow High School at 8:15 a.m.
- Friday, Jan. 10 – Bethpage High School at 8:15 a.m.
Media wishing to attend should contact the hosting organization.
To book “STOP Then Send” in your community, please contact Lori Mark in DA Rice’s office at (516) 571-2149. For more information on internet safety and DA Rice’s Technology Crimes Unit, please visit: http://www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/DA/internet.html
Anti-Bullying PSA Courtesy of District Attorney Rice's YouTube Page.