DATE: 5/27/05

CONTACT: Kerry Coffey, (864) 656-0312

or Sue Limber,(864) 656-6320

WRITER: Kerry Coffey, (864) 656-0312

Institute consultation helps garner prestigious communication’s awards

CLEMSON –- Consultation provided by the Institute on Family and Neighborhood Life (IFNL), a public service activity of Clemson University, helped garner a prestigious National Telly Award and an Award of Excellence from the NAGC (National Association of Government Communicators).

Both awards are the result of expert consultation and assistance from professors at IFNL who specialize in bullying prevention.

The National Telly Award is for the “Sticks & Stones: The Truth About Bullying,” video produced by WJLA-TV a Washington, D.C. based affiliate of ABC, in partnership with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Dr. Susan Limber, associate director of IFNL, and former Miss America Erika Harrold are featured on the video discussing the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program and problems associated with bullying among school children.

The video first premiered in 2004 in the Washington, DC area. Now, the video is used frequently to inform educators and parents about the Olweus Bullying Prevention program (Olweus), a comprehensive, school-wide program designed for use in elementary, middle or junior high schools.

The Olweus program has been found to reduce bullying among children and to improve peer relations at school.

Dr. Limber has been involved with the Olweus program since 1995 and has been instrumental in implementing this international model throughout the United States. More information about the program can be found online at: www.clemson.edu/olweus.

The Award of Excellence from the NAGC is for public service announcements used in the “Take a Stand. Lend a Hand. Stop Bullying Now” campaign launched on March 1, 2004.

Dr. Limber, along with Institute colleagues Dr. Mark Small and Dr. Joyce Ott, worked with the Health Resources and Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for two years prior to its launch to develop the public awareness campaign in partnership with 70 health, safety, education, youth and other organizations.

The public service announcements can be viewed online at the campaign’s Web site: www.stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov.

“We are honored by these awards and we hope that this important public awareness work is continued,” said Dr. Limber. “In order to reduce bullying, it is critical to get the word out about effective bullying prevention strategies.”

The IFNL’s mission is to generate, share and apply the knowledge needed to strengthen ties between families and communities. For more information on the Institute on Family and Neighborhood Life visit http://www.clemson.edu/ifnl.

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