In the Media: Gallery

John Halligan & Ryan's Story in the Media

I am deeply grateful to PBS FRONTLINE, The Oprah Winfrey Show, Diane Sawyer and ABC Primetime, and TLC for giving me the opportunity to share Ryan’s Story with a national audience. These conversations helped raise awareness about bullying, cyberbullying, teen mental health and suicide prevention, while reinforcing a message I continue to bring to middle and high school students, educators and parents across the country: our words and actions matter, both in person and online.

PBS FRONTLINE: Growing Up Online

John Halligan shared Ryan’s Story with PBS FRONTLINE for Growing Up Online, an in-depth examination of how the Internet was changing the lives of young people and families. John discussed Ryan’s experiences with bullying and cyberbullying, the online conversations he discovered after Ryan’s death, and the lessons parents and schools can learn about digital behavior, mental health and suicide prevention.

ABC Primetime with Diane Sawyer

John Halligan shared Ryan’s Story with Diane Sawyer and ABC Primetime as part of the national conversation about bullying, cyberbullying and the challenges young people face both at school and online. John’s message encourages parents, educators and students to take bullying seriously, recognize warning signs of emotional distress and understand the importance of reaching out for help.

The Oprah Winfrey Show

John Halligan appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show to share the deeply personal story of his son Ryan and the devastating impact bullying and cyberbullying can have on a young person. The conversation helped bring national attention to the importance of kindness, parental awareness, responsible online behavior and recognizing when a child may be struggling emotionally.

TLC

John Halligan and Ryan’s Story were featured on TLC as part of an examination of bullying, cyberbullying and the impact these behaviors can have on children and families. By sharing Ryan’s experience, John emphasizes the importance of empathy, accountability, parent involvement and creating school communities where students feel safe asking adults for help.

Ryan’s Story in the News

For more than two decades, John Halligan has shared Ryan’s Story with students, parents, educators and communities across the country. The articles below include independent news coverage as well as school district reports documenting the reach and impact of Ryan’s Story.

Independent News & Media

Oct. 15, 2022 · The Elkhart Truth, IN
Speaker Delivers Anti-Bullying Message at Elkhart Schools

Mar. 4, 2020 · Lehigh Valley Press, PA
Father Shares “Ryan’s Story” of Loss and Bullying

Mar. 17, 2017 · Canton Citizen, MA
GMS Closes Out Pawsitivity Week with Ryan’s Story

Dec. 10, 2014 · The Boston Globe
Vermont Students Rally Against Cyberbullying

Nov. 30, 2012 · The Vindicator, OH
Father Shares Story of Bullied Son’s Suicide

Apr. 13, 2011 · The Commons, VT
A Father’s Grief

Mar. 9, 2011 · ABC News
“Mean Girls” Bully Teen on Facebook: What Would You Do?

Feb. 19, 2011 · Nashua Telegraph, NH
Man Recounts How Son Was Bullied Into Suicide

Dec. 4, 2010 · Daily Herald, IL
Father of Cyberbullying Victim Bringing Story to Glenbard North

Nov. 19, 2010 · Bedford News / The Cabinet Press, NH
Man Whose Son Committed Suicide Because of Bullying Takes His Story to Schools

2008 · PBS FRONTLINE
John Halligan Interview: Growing Up Online

Feb. 15, 2007 · CBS News
Cyber-Bullying Is a Growing Menace to Kids

Apr. 14, 2005 · CNN
CNN Coverage Featuring the Halligan Family and Cyberbullying

School & District Coverage

Jan. 13, 2026 · William Annin Middle School, NJ
Ryan’s Story

Dec. 15, 2025 · Greater Johnstown School District, NY
Kindness, Awareness, and Action: Students Learn How to Transform School Culture Through “Ryan’s Story”

2024 · Our Lady of the Sacred Heart High School, PA
John Halligan Shares Ryan’s Story with OLSH Students

Feb. 12, 2024 · South Huntington School District, NY
John Halligan Shares Ryan’s Story With Stimson Middle School

Nov. 17, 2023 · Penn-Trafford School District, PA
John Halligan Addresses Penn Middle Student Body on Bullying

Nov. 28, 2022 · North Penn School District, PA
Pennbrook Middle School Hosting Parent Presentation by John Halligan

Mar. 13, 2017 · Rocky Run Middle School / FCPS, VA
John Halligan Presentation: “If I Could Have a Do-Over”

2016 · Polk State Lakeland Collegiate High School, FL
Father of Bullying Victim Implores Students to Be “Upstanders”