The Ophelia Project Begins Pilot Project Addressing Cyberbullying

Erie, PA, August 30, 2008 --(PR.com)-- The Ophelia Project will launch a pilot project that addresses cyberbullying at three Erie County schools during September. This pilot project, developed by cyberbullying consultant Erika Dauber and Ophelia staff, will raise awareness about cyberbullying and provide teachers and students with practical strategies and tools to address it. In addition, The Ophelia Project will be testing its soon-to-be released cyberbullying curriculum for middle school students.

Cyberbullying is willful and repeated harm inflicted through the use of computers, cell phones and other electronic devices (Hinduja and Patchin, www.cyberbullying.us). It is widely accepted that cyberbullying is a mainstream concern for students, their parents and the structures that support them.

The pilot project, which consists of teacher trainings and student workshops, will be held at Union City Middle School, Westlake Middle School and Pfeiffer Burleigh Elementary School. The teacher trainings will provide teachers will a full background of cyberbullying as well as tools for addressing it and sample lessons from the cyberbullying curriculum. During the workshops, students will go through the cyberbullying lessons and learn how to address cyberbullying in their lives.

This project is funded in part by The Erie Community Foundation, Erie Insurance, a generous foundation and individual donors.

The Ophelia Project® is a national nonprofit organization headquartered in Erie, Pa. Recognized as a leader in assessing social conditions and advocating healthy, safe relationships, the organization partners with educational, civic and community leaders to educate and empower kids and adults across North America. Visit www.OpheliaProject.org or call 888-256-KIDS (5437) to learn more.

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