MINNEAPOLIS — Hundreds of teachers, counselors, school psychologists and law enforcement officials are meeting in Minneapolis to consider ways to rid schools of bullying.

The Star Tribune reports that child safety advocate Patty Wetterling spoke to the group Monday morning, saying bullying must be stopped because the consequences are devastating.

About 400 people are attending the conference, which is sponsored by professional groups representing the state’s school principals, the state Department of Education and the Hazelden Foundation

Joann Knuth of the Minnesota Association of Secondary School Principals says the big turnout shows there’s a great need.

Among the topics to be covered by speakers are bullying on the school bus, dating violence and cyber-bullying.