UNL to host national conference on bullying

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln will host a major international conference, "Bullying @ School and Online," at the Omaha Marriott Regency Hotel June 13-14.

The conference brings together internationally and nationally recognized researchers, psychologists, educators, legal experts, law enforcement personnel and parents to learn about real world solutions to bullying.

Conference presenters, who are drawn from around the globe and who come from diverse backgrounds, include psychologists, legal professionals, teachers, college professors and advocates. Each presenter has substantial experience in bullying prevention research and/or practice.

"This is an unprecedented opportunity to bring cutting-edge research on bullying and peer victimization to Nebraska and the Midwest," said Susan Swearer, associate professor of school psychology at UNL who is a national expert on the subject. "It's a unique gathering that will bring together research and practical applications from many of the most respected minds in the world on this topic."

The conference will focus on evidence-based strategies and solutions for preventing bullying and building safe, nurturing, responsible and accountable communities. Featured speakers include:

* Sheri Bauman, University of Arizona, international expert on cyberbullying

* Dorothy Espelage, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, national expert on bullying in North America. She has appeared on CNN, the "Oprah Winfrey Show" and the "Today Show"

* Arthur M. Horne, University of Georgia, national expert on reducing violence and aggression in schools and families

* Shelley Hymel, University of British Columbia, international expert on social development and peer relations

* Patricia Newman, executive director of R.E.S.P.E.C.T.2. Newman is in private practice with Family Enrichment Inc. and works as a medical consultant for the Nebraska Department of Disability Determination Services

* Doug Paterson, University of Nebraska at Omaha, known for workshops and presentations on the Theatre of the Oppressed

* Paul Poteat, Boston College, expert in mental health implications of bias-based victimization and factors that promote resilience

* Ian Rivers, Brungel University West London, leading international expert on Homophobic bullying

* Philip Slee, Flinders University of South Australia, international expert on school violence

* Swearer, who participated in March in the White House Conference on Bullying, which included top officials from the U.S. Department of Education and Department of Health and Human Services

R.E.S.P.E.C.T.2, an Omaha-based nonprofit organization, develops educational programs addressing issues of bullying and violence. It will present the premiere of its new program, "Standing Up." This educational program was developed to encourage awareness and discussion of bullying issues. R.E.S.P.E.C.T.2 is a conference co-sponsor.

For more information on the presenters and registration, visit http://bullying.unl.edu. Conference registration is $295; walk-in registrations will be accepted at the site.

WRITER: Kelly Bartling, University Communications, (402) 472-2509