Statewide Bullying Prevention conference kicks off in Howard County

ELLICOTT CITY, Md. - On Monday teams from school systems across the state will gather in Howard County for a bullying prevention conference.  It's part of "Maryland Bully Free."

This is the second year for the event that focuses on preventing bullying and harassment.  It's a top priority for Maryland schools.

Those who attend the conference can learn about the latest research and practices in school safety.  Educators will learn strategies on how to empower students to help stop bullying and prevent it.

It's the largest bullying conference in the state.  Last year in Maryland there were a reported 3,000 incidents of bullying in every school district.

Bullying hurts and can cause a lot of problems for children as they grow up.  The conference kicks off Monday morning at the Turf Valley Conference Center in Ellicott City.