The access and ease of technology today makes cyberbullying a larger threat to children than ever before. Marshfield Clinic, with support from Mike's Run in Marshfield, will present the 2014 Behavioral Health Community Conference on cyberbullying.
Justin W. Patchin, Ph.D., co-director of the Cyberbullying Research Center and professor of criminal justice at University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, will present "Bullying Beyond the Schoolyard," on April 24 at Marshfield Clinic Laird Center for Medical Research, 1000 N. Oak Ave. A question and answer session will follow.
Check-in and refreshments begin at 6 p.m.; the presentation is at 6:30 p.m. There is no cost to attend. Pre-registration is required as seating is limited in the Froehlke Auditorium. To register, call 715-387-9081. Registration deadline is April 10.
For directions and maps, go to www.marshfieldclinic.org, select "Locations" (Find a location), type in "Marshfield" and select "Marshfield Center."
The Pew Research Center's Internet & American Life Project survey in 2011 showed 33 percent of teenagers have been victims of cyberbullying.
"Cyberbullying is an issue that seriously impacts a significant number of teens on a regular basis," Patchin said. "It's everyone's responsibility to educate themselves, so they can be a solution to this problem."
Patchin said parents, educators, law enforcement officers, counselors, nurses, doctors, faith-based leaders, aunts/uncles, grandparents, community leaders and teens can benefit from the conference.
Mike's Run is an event organized by Marshfield Clinic and the family and friends of Mike Hackman. Mike, who lived in Marshfield, committed suicide in 2010 after a long battle with mental illness. Last year's event raised more than $40,000 for mental health services.
This year's event, which includes a 5-mile run and 2-mile walk, will be held June 21 at Hackman Field in Marshfield. Click here to learn more about Mike's Run and to register
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The Marshfield Clinic system provides patient care, research and education with more than 50 locations in northern, central and western Wisconsin, making it one of the largest comprehensive medical systems in the United States.
