Understanding Hate Bias and Social Media’s Impact on School Climate

Virtual learning and social distancing has limited our ability to engage in positive social interactions.  With many stressors facing all of us, we’re increasingly engaging in and with social media, texting, and video chats in an effort to connect, socialize, and simply maintain our humanity.

Yet, not all online social interactions are positive, and many educators, parents, and students are wondering what can students do to navigate such challenges in the virtual world.

Drawing on my experience juggling diverse responsibilities within the Office of the Attorney General while also being a proud and involved mother of four, I’ve put together a program to educate students, families, and school staff about the intersection of bullying and cyberbullying, hate bias, and social media.

Healthy Community, Healthy Schools – Understanding Hate Bias and Social Media’s Impact on School Climate is an interactive one-hour program that aims to foster positive community-based solutions and develop in participants an understanding of Maryland and federal laws related to these very important topics.

Watch the video above to learn more and get a preview of what we’ll discuss, and if you are interested in scheduling a daytime or evening presentation of Healthy Community, Healthy Schools – Understanding Hate Bias and Social Media’s Impact on School Climate please complete this form and make sure to select “Hate Bias/Social Media/Cyberbullying” as your preferred topic/theme area. I look forward to presenting to and engaging with your group soon.

Dawn Luedtke, an Assistant Attorney General for Maryland, counsels the Maryland Center for School Safety (MCSS), Maryland Longitudinal Data System Center, and Active Assailant Interdisciplinary Work Group. She works on community and law enforcement education initiatives related to hate bias and hate crimes, and serves on the Youth & Families Subcommittee of the Lt. Governor’s Commission on Mental & Behavioral Health.