Students at
Joseph Stilwell Middle School recently had the opportunity to hear guest speaker John Halligan talk about preventing bullying, cyber bullying and teen suicide.
Halligan, who lost his 13-year-old son Ryan to suicide due to incessant bullying, has appeared on several television shows including The Oprah Winfrey Show, Good Morning America and Anderson Cooper 360.
During his time with the students at Stilwell, Halligan shared the complete story of Ryan – from his birth until the day he died. He explained the type of person his son was, his strengths and weaknesses, and his trouble with bullying and cyber bullying.
Hearing the first-hand account from Halligan provided the students with a deeper understanding of the devastating impact of bullying and teen suicide on a family.
Halligan encouraged the students, telling them they are “loved beyond belief” and to not ever believe that no one cares about them.
"You are not the only person feeling this way and you are not alone. Find someone you can talk to, like a parent, teacher or other trusted adult."
Halligan also discussed the horrifying effects of bullying on a person and family.
"When you bully someone you are not just bullying them, but bullying an entire family."
In memory of his son, John spearheaded the Vermont Bully Prevention bill which was signed into law (ACT117) in May 2004 and only a few months after Ryan’s death. He also successfully led the passage of the law pertaining to mandatory suicide prevention education in public schools (ACT 114) in April 2006.
Halligan has been outspoken about the need for more education and prevention of bullying, cyber bullying and teen suicide throughout the United States and Canada. For the complete story about the Halligan family, visit www.ryanpatrickhalligan.org.
Health teachers Misty Helm and Erica Gaffney organized Halligan's visit to Stilwell Middle.
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