Presentation:   Protect Your Child from Bullying
Length: 1½ – 2 hours (preferred)
Description: This presentation addresses the nature of bullying, the rationale for preventing and stopping it, giving children a good start at home, steps parents can take to help their child who is bullied, to help their child who bullies, and how to empower their child as a bystander.  Helpful parent resources are also discussed. The following questions are addressed:

• What is bullying?
• Why must it be addressed?
• Why are some victims retaliating? (brief discussion)
• How often does it occur?
• Where does it occur?
• When does it occur?
• How is it different with boys and girls?
• Why do children bully?
• What are the typical characteristics of potential victims?
• What are the typical characteristics of victims – warning signs?
• What are the typical characteristics of bullies – warning signs?
• How can I help my child’s school prevent and stop bullying?
• What should I do when I find out my child is a victim?
• What strategies can I teach my child who is a victim?
• What should I do when I find out my child is a bully?
• What strategies can I teach my child who is a bystander?
• What resources are available to help me?

Note: Parents are given a helpful handout and are encouraged to purchase Protect Your Child from Bullying by Allan L. Beane. Some PTAs and schools purchase this book for parents and make it available at the workshop.

Presentation: Why Some Victims of Bullying are Self-Harming, Retaliating, and/or Committing Suicide
Length: 1 – 1½ hours (time spent on topic may be adjusted)
Description: This insightful and emotionally charged presentation addresses the psychological and cognitive path some victims of bullying have taken from hurt, anger, hate, rage to self-harm, revenge and/or suicide. Almost all school shootings in recent years have involved victims who retaliated. This presentation is based on Dr. Beane’s son’s journey and a study of other young people who have experienced the destructive path that threatens the well-being of students and creates unsafe schools. Dr. Beane’s illustrations (using an apple, styrofoam plate, skewer, etc.) and true heart-breaking stories are unforgettable.

Dr. Beane has served as an expert witness for the defense attorney in a criminal case involving retaliation – explaining to the jury why a high school student took the path from hurt to revenge. It is important for parents to understand this path and to be able to identify where victims are on the path.