The Berks County Intermediate Unit (BCIU), in partnership with event sponsor Penn State PRO Wellness and the Berks County District Attorney’s Office, hosted the 2025 Keeping Kids Safe Symposium on October 8 at the BCIU Main Office. This year’s theme, “Connected + Protected: Building Digital Awareness and Emotional Resilience in a Hyperconnected World,” focused on promoting online safety and supporting student mental health.
Presenters included Assistant District Attorney Jacquelin Hamer-Groucutt, who discussed the legal and emotional consequences of cyberbullying and sexting; John Halligan, Founder of Ryan’s Story, LLC, who shared his family’s powerful story of loss and advocacy; and Katie Greer, national speaker and founder of KL Greer Consulting, LLC, who explored the impact of social media and technology on
student well-being and offered practical strategies for digital balance and safety.
Throughout the morning, participants reflected on the importance of empathy, awareness, and collaboration in supporting students’ emotional resilience. Now in its 16th year, the Keeping Kids Safe program demonstrates Berks County’s commitment to providing safe and supportive learning environments for over 70,000 students in its 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 allow us 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 officials, emergency responders, elected officials, and community partners with training, tools, and resources to enhance emergency preparedness and student safety throughout Berks County.