Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office has recently concluded this school year’s presentation programs on bullying, internet safety, and the perils of social media. Prosecutor Billhimer and Agent Michael Colwell, along with additional staff from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, spoke to over 13,000 students in Ocean County during the 2025-2026 school year. Between October 2025 and May 2026, more than 16 members of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office – including assistant prosecutors, detectives, agents, victim-witness advocates, and clerical staff – visited 40 schools and delivered 67 multimedia presentations to students at the elementary, intermediate, and high school levels throughout Ocean County. The presentations encouraged students to make responsible decisions online, recognize bullying and cyberbullying, seek help when necessary, and understand that their words and actions can have lasting consequences.
In addition to the classroom presentations, the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office sponsored 14 Challenge Day programs at intermediate and high schools throughout the County. Offered to every intermediate school and high school in Ocean County, the full-day programs brought together students, educators, and community volunteers to discuss bullying, harassment, conflict resolution, mental wellness, and the importance of empathy and inclusion.
“Educating our students about bullying, internet safety, and the dangers of social media is one of the most important investments we can make in their future,” Prosecutor Billhimer stated. “This year, we reached approximately 2,000 more students than in the previous school year; that success reflects the commitment of every member of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office. The positive feedback from students, teachers, and administrators reinforces the importance of these programs, and we look forward to returning to our schools in the Fall,” Prosecutor Billhimer concluded.