MORRISTOWN, NJ – The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office is stressing the dangers of bullying with high school students a week after the death of an Ocean County teen who was the victim of a vicious assault and bullying at her school.
Over the winter, the office held multiple seminars for high school students.
Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Samantha DeNegri and Sergeant Patrick LaGuerre held a series of presentations this winter on bias issues, cyber harassment, and about exercising good judgment when it comes to how they interact with others online or in school.
Students are advised to be careful of what they post on social media, as how they conduct themselves online could potentially impact their future, according to SAP DeNegri and Sgt. Laguerre.
On social media platforms, all information is documented and preserved, including photos and messages you think have been deleted or are only temporary. This means that regrettable or private information can still be accessed and shared.
A distinction was made between bias crimes and bias incidents by the presenters, and they cautioned students that even if an incident is not regarded as criminal, school administrators may decide to take disciplinary action.
It is part of an ongoing educational program by the MCPO that engages local youth on these important topics. Last year, the MCPO conducted over a dozen such assemblies at public and private schools in Morris, Warren and Sussex counties.
Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll said, “The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office shares an absolute commitment to help our students understand the long-term damage that can result from bias and bullying behaviors.”
Correction: Title incorrectly listed Monmouth County PO.