The Berks County Intermediate Unit (BCIU), in partnership with event sponsor Penn State PRO Wellness, hosted the 2025 Keeping Kids Safe Symposium on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at the BCIU Main Office. This year’s theme, “Connected + Protected: Building Digital Awareness and Emotional Resilience in a Hyperconnected World,” focused on the importance of addressing online safety and mental health in today’s digital landscape.
The symposium opened with welcoming remarks from Russell Del Rosario, BCIU Safety & Security Program Administrator, and Gavin Luzier, Research Project Coordinator, Social Sciences, Penn State PRO Wellness.
Assistant District Attorney Jacquelin Hamer-Groucutt, representing the Berks County District Attorney’s Office, began the program with her presentation, “Cyber-Bullying, Sexting, and the Consequences.” Typically shared with Berks County students, the session provided eye-opening data and real-world examples illustrating the impact and legal consequences of cyberbullying and sexting among youth.
Attendees then heard from John Halligan, Founder of Ryan’s Story, LLC, who shared the emotional story of his son Ryan, who died by suicide at age 13 after enduring bullying and cyberbullying. Mr. Halligan encouraged educators, in partnership with families, to help students develop empathy, stand up for others, and seek help when needed. He also presented his message directly to Berks County students on October 9, reinforcing the importance of being an upstander rather than a bystander. More information about his work is available at ryanpatrickhalligan.org.
The workshop concluded with a powerful presentation from Katie Greer, Speaker and Founder of KL Greer Consulting, LLC, who examined the evolution of technology and social media and their effects on K-12 students’ mental health and well-being. She offered practical strategies to promote healthy digital habits, balance, and safety, emphasizing collaboration among educators, administrators, and families. Learn more at klgreer.com.
Themes of forgiveness, awareness, and empathy resonated with participants throughout the morning, reinforcing the message that informed communities are better equipped to support children’s safety and emotional resilience.
Now in its 16th year, the Keeping Kids Safe program demonstrates Berks County’s ongoing commitment to providing safe and secure learning environments for the more than 70,000 students in our schools.
“With the growing number of teen-related incidents, from swatting to social media bullying, it is essential that schools work together to provide education and tools for students and families regarding appropriate online behavior,” said Dr. Sara George, Assistant Director, Student Services and K-12 Education, BCIU. “As educators, we have a shared responsibility to build awareness, provide resources, and strengthen the emotional resilience of our students. Events like the Keeping Kids Safe Symposium give us the opportunity to learn, collaborate, and take meaningful steps so that every child feels safe, supported, and seen.”
“This workshop was an important step in addressing the growing challenges of online bullying and digital threats—issues that have a real and lasting impact on students’ overall safety and sense of security,” added Russell Del Rosario, BCIU Safety and Security Program Administrator. “By bringing together educators, first responders, and mental health professionals, we are not only raising awareness but also building the partnerships and preventative strategies needed to keep our students safe, both online and in their communities.”
Since 2009, the Keeping Kids Safe Symposium has been coordinated annually by the BCIU and its partners. The program provides educators, law enforcement, emergency responders, elected officials, and community partners with training, tools, and resources to strengthen emergency preparedness and student safety across Berks County.
