Waitsburg schools host cyber-bullying and social media presentation

WAITSBURG – Walla Walla County Digital Forensic Examiner Tim Hollingsworth will give a presentation on Cyber-bullying and Social Media Concerns on Thurs., March 14. Hollingsworth will meet with Waitsburg middle and high school students before presenting to the community at the Waitsburg High School lower auditorium from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

While some experts do not feel that bullying is more prevalent than in years past, social media has made a significant impact on how it affects kids.

“Bullying does look different in this culture with the use of technology. Twenty years ago, you could change environments to get away from the bully; that is no longer the case with social media,” Waitsburg School District Counselor told The Times, earlier this month.

There have also been reports of students being exposed to YouTube videos of teens committing suicide and/or providing instruction on how to commit suicide.

In efforts to address bullying and harassment, the Waitsburg School District went live with the SafeSchools Alert system this month. Last month, the district hosted a visit from rodeo clown JJ Harrison and bull fighter Rowdy Barry, who met with students and the community about bullying.