top of page
Proven Impact: 20+ Years, 2,500+ Schools, 1 Million+ Students
In memory of Ryan Patrick Halligan 1989-2003
Bullying, Cyberbullying and Suicide Prevention Blog
Search


How Student Empathy Speaker Programs Change Schools
Student empathy speaker programs help schools turn concern into action, strengthening peer support, digital responsibility, and trusted adult intervention.
Sep 56 min read


What an Independent Evaluation Found After Ten Middle School Assemblies
I don't usually get evaluated by someone with no stake in the outcome. Most of what a school hears about a speaker comes from the speaker. In 2010 and 2011, that wasn't true. The Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center of Florida brought me in as the sponsored speaker for their UpStanders initiative, and commissioned an independent formative evaluation of the whole program — not written by me, not written by them, but by an outside evaluator, Dr. Bahíyyih Maroon, who
Sep 44 min read


A Restorative Response to Bullying That Works
Learn how a restorative response to bullying can build accountability, protect students, repair harm, and strengthen a safer school culture over time.
Sep 46 min read


Student Upstander Campaign Case Study That Lasted
This student upstander campaign case study shows how one middle school moved peers from silence to safe action, adult support, and lasting accountability.
Sep 36 min read


A School Guide to Crisis Conversations That Helps
A school guide to crisis conversations gives educators practical language to respond to bullying, warning signs, grief, and urgent student safety needs.
Sep 26 min read


Bullying Prevention Assemblies for Middle and High Schools Building Safer Schools with Ryan's Story
A student who feels unsafe at school is not fully available to learn. That is true whether the harm happens in a hallway, at lunch, in a group chat, on the bus, or quietly through exclusion that adults may not see. Middle and high school students are old enough to understand cruelty, pressure, embarrassment, and regret. They are also still learning how to handle conflict, use digital tools responsibly, notice someone else’s pain, and ask for help before a problem grows. That
Sep 19 min read


A School Culture Example Students Can Trust
A school culture example shows how adults and students can turn respect, reporting, and follow-through into safer daily choices for every child at school.
Sep 15 min read


Steps to Book Your School Assembly - A School Assembly Planning Guide
Booking a school assembly can feel like a big task. I remember the first time I had to organize one. It seemed overwhelming at first, but breaking it down into clear steps made it manageable. Whether you are a student leader, a parent volunteer, or a staff member, I want to share a simple guide to help you book your school assembly smoothly. This guide will walk you through the process, from initial planning to the day of the event. Understanding the School Assembly Planning
Aug 314 min read


Can Schools Prevent Online Harassment Effectively?
Can schools prevent online harassment? See how clear reporting, trusted adults, student leadership, and family partnership can reduce harm early at school.
Aug 316 min read


Meaningful Middle School Assemblies That Inspire Empathy and Lasting Change
A middle school assembly can either fade from memory by lunchtime or become a moment that students discuss for years. The difference lies in the meaning conveyed. Students remember assemblies that resonate with them. They recall stories that feel relevant to their lives—stories that could unfold in their hallways, group chats, lunch tables, or bedrooms after a tough day. They remember when an adult speaks the truth without condescension. The Importance of Meaningful Assemblie
Aug 299 min read


Best Middle School Assembly Programs for Student Engagement and Lasting Impact
A middle school assembly can fade from memory by the end of the day, or it can become the moment students keep talking about for months.
Aug 299 min read


Mental Health Programs for Schools: Benefits and Implementation in School Wellness Initiatives
When I think about the challenges students face today, mental health stands out as a crucial area that needs attention. Schools are more than just places for academic learning; they are communities where young people grow emotionally and socially. That’s why I believe school wellness initiatives that include mental health support are essential. They create a safe space where students can thrive, not just academically but personally too. Why School Wellness Initiatives Matter
Aug 294 min read


A New Way to Reach ALL Parents
Now Available in English & Spanish - Watch at Their Convenience Traditional parent evening presentations addressing mental health and bullying prevention often fail because schedules or langauge don't align. I've removed that barrier. Parents can now watch my expert-led video module from their homes, on their own time, ensuring your entire school community gets informed and engaged. Upon request, I will provide complimentary two-day access to the video so you can evaluate its
Aug 272 min read
A Teen Crisis Intervention Example for Schools
See a teen crisis intervention example schools can use to respond to warning signs, support the student, and protect the wider school community safely.
Aug 276 min read


How to Teach Online Accountability at School
Learn how to teach online accountability through clear expectations, honest conversations, and adult follow-through that help protect students online.
Aug 256 min read


Suicide Prevention Speaker vs Training for Schools
Choosing a suicide prevention speaker vs training? Learn what each offers schools, where each falls short, and how to build lasting student support well.
Aug 236 min read


Choosing a Middle School Bullying Speaker
Choose a middle school bullying speaker who earns student trust, addresses digital harm, and gives adults practical ways to act before silence deepens.
Aug 195 min read


How to Teach Upstander Behavior That Lasts
Learn how to teach upstander behavior with practical, age-appropriate routines that help students interrupt harm, support peers, and involve adults.
Aug 176 min read


A Guide to Suicide Prevention Assemblies
A guide to suicide prevention assemblies helps schools plan safe, age-appropriate programs that move students toward trusted adults and real support today.
Aug 156 min read


Warning Signs Before Self Harm in Students
Learn warning signs before self harm in students and how schools, parents, and peers can respond with care, urgency, and the right adult support quickly.
Aug 106 min read
bottom of page


