Students combat bullying at middle school summit

Newton — The fifth annual middle school summit to battle bullying took place on Wedesday, Oct. 18, engaging students from across Sussex County. “Taking Flight to Change V” was presented by the Sussex County Coalition for Healthy and Safe Families. “Taking Flight to Change V” is presented in part with United Way of Sussex County and is held annually at Sussex County Technical School’s McNeice Auditorium. Each middle school in the county may send up to ten students from sixth through eighth grades, along with faculty and parent representatives. With the exponential growth of Internet use and other electronic media by the younger student population, this year the program focused on cyber-bullying. Cell phones, interactive Web sites, instant messaging and blogging, to name a few, may all contribute to spreading a damaging rumor, with the potential to inflict devastating and irreversible effects on a young life. Keynote speaker Keith Hawkins delivered a motivating and inspirational presentation, offering real and positive ways students can make a difference in the life of someone who is being bullied and how to avoid becoming victims themselves. For more information about the summit or for tips about how to avoid being a bully or being bullied, call the center or visit www.centerforprevention.org/coalitionkidstokids.htm.