District to Host Anti-Bullying Parent Education Night

Technological advances have benefited society in many ways. There are downfalls, however, and an increase in bullying is one of them.

“I believe that Wilmington has been proactive with bullying,” said Wilmington Superintendent of Schools Joanne Benton. “Unfortunately with the advent of Facebook and other social networks, we have seen an increase in bullying. It’s now 24/7. Students can be anonymous online, which makes bullying easier.”

In an effort to minimize bullying in town, the district hosts a parent education session on Tuesday night at 7 p.m. The event takes place at .

Marian Ryan, general counsel at the Middlesex County District Attorney’s office, will speak to the crowd. Ryan provided training to the district staff on the first day of school, and Benton said her message was well received as she presented with Marge Daniels, director of Middlesex Partnerships for Youth.

“We hope to educate parents about student access to Facebook and teach them about being proactive,” said Benton. “In my opinion, parents should keep computers in family areas, not in their children’s bedrooms.”

Benton also said she believes children should not be allowed to take their phones to bed with them at night.

The superintendent said the district has a comprehensive bully prevention plan that includes curriculum in all grades. Still, she knows some things are out of educators’ control, which is why the anti-bullying event is so critical.

“Bully prevention must be a community response,” said Benton. “Most of it is happening outside of school. We hope to educate the community.”