Seaford HS Students Take Part in Senator Fuschillo's Online Cyber-Bullying Webcast

State Sen. Charles J. Fuschillo, R-Merrick, recently held a live cyber-bullying webcast to help students and parents confront the dangers of cyber-bullying that featured two Seaford High School students. The webcast was streamed live on Senator Fuschillo’s website.

The webcast featured an informational discussion between Senator Fuschillo, John Halligan and students Becky DelGiudice and Zachary Pensa. Halligan, whose 13-year old son Ryan committed suicide in 2003 after being bullied, ridiculed, and humiliated by his classmates in school and over the Internet, talked about the devastating impact cyber-bullying had on his son and other students every single day. DelGiudice and Pensa discussed their own experiences with cyber-bullying and the challenges that it presents to students.

“Technology has given us new ways to communicate, but it has also led
to new ways for children to bully one another,” Fuschillo said. “Studies have shown that nearly half of all teens have been victims of cyber-bullying. This webcast helped students and parents hear from individuals about their experiences with cyber-bullying and learn some steps to help them confront the
challenges of cyber-bullying.”

Students and parents who watched the webcast also learned about steps students can take if they are being bullied; the importance of students looking out for each other and not being a bystander when cyber-bullying occurs; signs parents should watch for to spot if their child is being cyber-bullied; and informational resources about where cyber-bullying victims can turn for help.

Those who were unable to watch Senator Fuschillo’s cyber-bullying webcast live can watch a recording of the webcast, as well as get information about the resources available to help confront the challenges of cyber-bullying, by visiting Senator Fuschillo’s website at Fuschillo.nysenate.gov.