DeCroce Gets an Education and Gives Advice on Coping with Cyberbullying

Asw. BettyLou DeCroce received an education when she visited a Parsippany school Tuesday to listen and learn about the issue of cyberbullying.

DeCroce, a Par-Troy resident who represents the 26th District in the New Jersey General Assembly, visited a sixth grade class at All Saints Academy to hear about Power to Learn, an education initiative sponsored by Cablevision. The program provides advice and information to parents, teachers and students about the dangers of cyberbullying.

“In today’s society, the level of sophistication on using the internet and mass 
media communications does not require a college degree,” said DeCroce, whose district covers parts of Morris, Essex and Passaic counties. “In order to protect students from the dangers of cyberbullying, we need to reach them at an early age. Listening is an important part of learning, and that is exactly what everyone discovered."

The assemblywoman said she was “impressed with the students’ knowledge."

"I know everyone who participated came away with a better understanding of this potentially dangerous and harmful issue,” she said. “The Power to Learn program is a comprehensive and common-sense approach on avoiding and dealing with cyber-harassment. This kind of intimidation extends beyond the classroom and making students aware of the ways to deal with cyberbullying is a positive step that benefits everyone."

DeCroce said she spoke not only as a public servant, but as a concerned parent. 

“Students need to know how important it is to tell their parents or speak to a teacher when they are confronted with this kind of bullying," she said. "They are not alone and help is available.”

Part of the Power to Learn program includes tips for students and parents on 
dealing with cyberbullying, such as:

• Don’t share your login and password—even with friends.
• Think before you post. You can’t control what others do with your information.
• Be careful about loaning your cell phone or laptop to friends.
• Don’t respond to cyberbullying—report it to an adult.
• Keep the evidence of texts and emails as a record.
• Signs that a child is a victim of cyberbullying are: changes in mood, sleep habits and being less social with friends.
• Block the person who is sending the unwanted messages.