Technologies such as texting (SMS), Facebook, YouTube, Tumblr, Instagram, Twitter, chat rooms, blogs and vlogs provide many options for increased communication and collaboration, but their use can also dramatically increase personal risk.

Facebook and similar sites have become so popular and smart phones have become so pervasive that, in reality, enforcing a ban on social media use in schools has become impossible. And the issue goes beyond students. The New York Department of Education reported nearly 70 complaints last year involving teachers inappropriately using Facebook. What takes place outside school walls — flaming, sexting, cyberbullying etc. — can often have a powerful negative impact on students and schools.

The Northeast Symposium on Social Media in Schools will provide critical information for technology professionals, principals, teachers, counselors and other educators on topics such as:

• Walking the lethal tightrope between avoiding liability and violating First Amendment rights
• Recognizing and minimizing the negative psychological impact of social media use and abuse
• Understanding the implications of the latest research into the dynamics and effects of cyberbullying and social media abuse
• Preventive tools and strategies to help students and educators avoid the lasting pain of cyberbullying and the misuse of technology.

This strategy-packed two-day symposium will feature recognized experts including Charles P.E. Leitch, Esq (Legal), Dr. Dorothy Espelage (Psychological), Dr. Sameer Hinduja (Cyber Research) and Richard Guerry (Prevention Strategies). It will also provide recommended approaches, strategies and activities that will help to update your understanding of the ever-changing social media and cyberbullying world and best practices for prevention and intervention.