Web site tackles cyberbullying

Middletown — “There’s been a lot of ‘noise’ around the issue of cyberbullying these last few weeks, and rightfully so,” said Cornell Cooperative Extension Educator Denyse Variano. “Following the many youth tragedies linked to cyberbullying events, it becomes painfully clear that this practice, like other forms of bullying, will not just go away on its own. In fact, ignoring the problem may just make it worse.” October is National Bullying Prevention Month and provides an opportunity to learn more about this growing problem. Cornell University Cooperative Extension Orange County has created a series of educational resources to help adults and youth talk about such serious issues,” said Variano. “Our ‘Let’s Talk About’ Web site includes self-guided presentations and short, youth-oriented videos, as well as downloadable handouts, links to pre-screened topic-related Web sites, and feedback/contact information to help adults and youth explore cyberbullying, and other sensitive issues, and come up with positive solutions.” This project was funded by the Orange County Youth Bureau and the United Way as a mini-grant to the Orange County Parenting Coalition and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Orange County. On the Web The ‘Let’s Talk About’ Web site includes self-guided presentations and short, youth-oriented videos, as well as downloadable handouts, links to pre-screened topic-related Web sites, and feedback/contact information to help adults and youth explore cyberbullying, and other sensitive issues, and come up with positive solutions.” Other topics include: Social Networking, Media Literacy, Life After High School and Community Engagement. To access the Web pages visit http://blogs.cce.cornell.edu/letstalk. For more information or to schedule a presentation call 344-1234 for more information.