Online Registration Opens for Speak Up!

Nova Scotians who want to learn more about reducing bullying in their schools and communities can now register for Speak Up!, the province’s anti-bullying leadership conference.

It is being held Aug. 16-17 at Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax.

“This conference will be an excellent opportunity for families, youth, community organizations and educators to learn from youth and adult experts, share experiences, and come together to address bullying,” said Marilyn More, lead Minister for the Action Team on Sexual Violence and Bullying.

“We want to provide young people and those who support them with the knowledge and tools they need to help create safer communities.”

There is no registration fee for the conference, but pre-registration is required. Youth, ages 12 and up, parents and guardians, community organizations, and educators can register online or by phone. Entertainment on Friday night will also be free.

“I’m very excited to attend the conference. I think this is going to be a fun, interactive learning experience for youth and adults,” said Chantel O’Brien, youth member of the conference’s steering committee and member of the Youth Advisory Council. “I hope that students, families, educators and community members will take advantage of the opportunities available at the conference and sign up now.”

The keynote speaker will be Parry Aftab, one of the world’s leading experts on cyber-crime, Internet privacy and cyber-abuse issues. Ms. Aftab is an author, lawyer, and an advisor to MTV, Disney, Microsoft, Facebook and others. She runs the world’s largest cybersafety charity, WiredSafety, and created StopCyberbullying.org, the most popular cyberbullying prevention website.

Workshop topics will include the province’s new CyberScan legislation, improving communication between youth and adults, youth mental health, becoming a better ally to LGBTI and at risk youth, cyber-safety, positive aspects of social media, hypersexualization of youth, alcohol, drugs and risky behaviours, expressing feelings through creative arts and more.

For more information or to register please visit, http://antibullying.novascotia.ca/speakupconference or call 902-422-1886 or toll free 1-877-731-1333.