Anti-Bullying, Youth Depression Program Scheduled

The Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders is partnering with several nonprofit organizations to sponsor a program for adults on bullying, cyberbullying and youth depression on Nov. 1.

The free program will run from 6 to 8 p.m. at the county's Public Safety Training Academy, 500 W. Hanover Ave. in Parsippany. It will feature a presentation from John Halligan, a Vermont man whose 13-year-old son, Ryan, took his own life nine years ago after being bullied by classmates at school and online.

In memory of his son and just a few months after his son’s death, Halligan spearheaded the Vermont Bullying Prevention law in 2004. His efforts also lead to the passing of a law in 2006 pertaining to suicide prevention education in public schools.

Halligan’s presentation will cover the lessons that were learned too late for his family regarding how to deal with bullying, cyberbullying and teen depression.

Halligan said his goal is to empower parents with strategies so they can take preventive actions with their own children. Halligan has been outspoken about the need for more education and prevention of bullying, cyber bullying and teen suicide throughout the United States, Canada and Latin America

This area was dealt its own related crisis earlier this year . Many have said .

The program will include a light dinner and refreshments from 6 to 6:30 p.m. with Halligan’s presentation to follow.

Because of limited seating, pre-registration is required through morrishumanservices.org or by calling the Morris County Department of Human Services at 973-285-6860.

The Morris County Partners in Substance Abuse Prevention; the Community Coalition for a Safe and Healthy Morris, an initiative of Morris County Prevention is Key; the Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse; and the Municipal Alliances of Morris County are joining the Morris County Board of Freeholders in sponsoring the program.

For more information about the program contact Steve Nebesni, Morris County Municipal Alliance Coordinator at 973-285-6860 or at snebesni@co.morris.nj.us.