CONLEY JOINS ADL, YOUTH CONGRESS TO COMBAT CYBERBULLYING March 14, 2008 Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel F. Conley yesterday joined the Anti-Defamation League and more than 1,000 members of the New England Youth Congress at an event geared towards understanding cyberbullying, a growing phenomenon linked to teen suicides nationwide. At the day-long event held at the Boston Park Plaza Hotel and orchestrated by ADL’s A World of Difference Institute, middle and high school students from across Massachusetts came together with educators and ADL representatives to learn ways to protect themselves and others from cyberbullying – a form of harassment perpetrated via cell phones, text messages, emails, and other forms of communication. Oftentimes, the bullying is anonymous, due to the ease with which individuals can create phony or misleading online profiles. “It’s become a lot easier to harass someone anonymously and from a distance,” Conley said. “The old-fashioned bullies and the mean-spirited kids have a new arena. That this one is virtual and not a schoolyard doesn’t make it any less serious, any less damaging, or any less wrong.” The ADL estimates that four in 10 American teenagers were subjected to some form of cyberbullying within the past year. Yesterday’s event aimed to educate youth leaders about the issue, which includes teasing and cruelty but can escalate to threats and violence. Extreme cases of cyberbullying have been linked to the suicides of young people in several states. “Because of the anonymity of text messaging or web sites, they have become a perfect medium for those who think they can get away with acts of hate or intimidation,” said Jonathan Kappel, ADL New England Interim Regional Director. “ADL has always fought to counter hate and promote respect for diversity, and we believe strongly that we must be constantly vigilant to ensure that new threats are countered.” After noting that laws – including juvenile justice statutes – cover certain forms of harassment, threats, stalking, and identity theft, Conley urged participating students to take a stand against cyberbullying by their fellow teens. “You aren’t just tomorrow’s leaders,” Conley said, “You’re today’s leaders. Each of you is in a position to help shape your peers’ views and attitudes toward cyberbullying and other forms of harassment. You won’t have to do it alone – we’ve got your back.” Return to the Press Releases page.