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Consulting Firm Educating School Districts, Parents On Bullying New Law Requires Schools to Develop Policy that Addresses Bullying
As an IT Consultant, I see the power of the Internet and cyberspace to help businesses and relationships grow. As a parent, I watch how the Internet can misinform and negatively impact our kids.
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August 6, 2008 (FPRC) -- Amidst the stacks of research collected by Peter DuMelle, one main pile stands alone, saturated with highlighter ink and notes filling the margins. The founder of PD Design an IT Consulting Firm and father of two is taking a proactive approach to the new Illinois law that went into effect January 1, 2008 which requires school districts to create and implement policies and procedures that address bullying, including 'cyberbullying', a relatively new phenomena of the harassment arena.
With his firm offering seminars tackling such issues as internet safety and cyberbullying prevention, DuMelle believes a less passive approach will be most beneficial to parents, educators, and students alike.
'Our goal is get ahead of the curve and help inform our parents, teachers, and schools on how they can help prevent cyberbullying and promote internet safety by creating a communication forum in which to disseminate information, foster awareness, and help develop policy of which will address such issues within schools and homes,' DuMelle said.
A survey by i-SAFE America of the 2003-04 school year presented staggering statistics – 42% of students reported being bullied while online, 35% have been threatened online, 53% admit to having said something mean or hurtful to another person, and 58% have not told their parents or an adult about something mean or hurtful that happened to them online.
'The data is overwhelming and, as a parent, even I feel the urgency to ensure that my little girls are safe before they touch a computer and go online, and I work in the field,' DuMelle said. 'Moreover, as a consultant, I know that we can help grow an environment of well-versed educators, students, and parents alike to help develop and promote solid policy to address this challenge.'
The firm’s website, www.cyberbullyingprevention.com., offers information to educate and inform people about cyberbullying and internet safety. The firm currently presents an interactive workshop titled, 'The Who, What, Where, Why and How of Cyberbullying & Cyber Safety' to both parents and educators alike. For further information about a workshop presentation, or to sign up to the mailing list and receive the special report on Cyberbullying Prevention, people can contact Pete DuMelle at 847.769.7495 or visit the firm’s website.
Send an email to Peter DuMelle of Cyber Bullying Prevention
847-769-7495
Keywords:
bullying prevention, internet safety, education
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