Identifying the Right Anti-Bullying Speaker for Your Needs

Find the Ideal Anti-Bullying Speaker: A Guide to Choosing the Right Expert for Your Needs

Biggest concern for principals when hiring an anti bullying assembly speaker

When I speak to principals their number one concern is that the anti bullying assembly doesn’t suddenly make everyone feel like they’re a victim and speak up and report the bullying.

I can completely understand that concern but please let me alleviate you of any concerns when it comes to hiring us. Our #1 detail is on education, really understanding what bullying is and then creating a safe and motivating school environment by focusing on the role of the bystanders.

We’ll focus on teasing vs. taunting, telling vs. tattling, cyberbullying, and the social aspects of bullying like exclusion and gossiping.

So what do you need to look out for?

You’ll have speakers that speak about bullying because they were a victim in school. These types of speakers focus on victims only. These presentations leave students wondering if they’re a victim too, but do not help them understand what they can do about it. Bullying is a symptom of bad behavior. Victim presenters only focus on 5% or 10% of the behavior going on in your school. Even though their story may be emotional and uplifting, they’re always reactive and never reduce bullying.
“I was a bully.” These type of speakers talk about their experience of being a bully and what happened to them. The problem is that they put the bully on a pedestal and give them the attention they’re looking for. Remember, the bully is receiving great results from their bad behavior. Bullies will never stop bullying because a stranger came in and talked about their own downfall.
Speakers who claim, “I’m an entertainer and I can keep your student’s attention.” While they will probably keep their attention, they do not provide anything of substance. Your students will feel like they got a free period of entertainment, and learn nothing about bullying and how to prevent or stop it.

What makes us different?

Our company is recognized as the top anti-bullying program in North America. We offer complete proactive assemblies that focus on the behavior of the bystanders. Jim is not here as a previous victim or bully. He is a professional speaker and an anti bullying expert who’s presentations look at the whole picture and focus on the community working together to solve this problem. Jim is an author of 4 books on bullying and is certified by the Department of Health and Human Services, Mental Health Academy, St. Johns Ambulance and Quest Education Services. He has been speaking about bullying for over 13 years. Our assemblies are age appropriate. We adjust the education we provide based on the grade level of your students. We also offer an extensive follow up program to keep the message going strong throughout the school year. Below are some testimonials and references so you can make a decision that best suits your school’s needs

The Importance of Investigating the Right Anti-Bullying Speaker for Your School

Bullying is a pervasive issue that affects students’ mental health, academic performance, and overall well-being. Schools play a crucial role in addressing this problem, and one effective approach is to invite an anti-bullying speaker to engage with students. However, it’s essential to carefully investigate and select the right speaker to ensure the message is impactful and resonates with the audience.

Why an Anti-Bullying Speaker Matters

An anti-bullying speaker can bring a fresh perspective and provide students with practical tools to combat bullying. They can share personal stories, offer strategies for dealing with bullies, and inspire students to stand up for themselves and others. A well-chosen speaker can create a lasting impression and foster a positive school culture.

Key Considerations When Choosing an Anti-Bullying Speaker

Relevance and Expertise: Look for speakers who have a deep understanding of bullying and its effects. They should have experience working with students and be knowledgeable about the latest research and strategies in bullying prevention ¹.
Engagement and Delivery: The speaker should be engaging and able to connect with students of all ages. They should use interactive methods, such as storytelling, role-playing, and multimedia, to keep students interested and involved ².
Age Appropriateness: Ensure the speaker tailors their message to the age group they are addressing. The content should be appropriate and relatable for the students’ developmental stage ².
Positive Message: The speaker should focus on empowering students rather than instilling fear. They should promote kindness, empathy, and resilience, encouraging students to be proactive in creating a bully-free environment ³.
References and Reviews: Research the speaker’s background and read reviews from other schools that have hosted them. Positive feedback and testimonials can provide insight into the speaker’s effectiveness and impact ¹.

Potential Pitfalls to Avoid

Generic Messages: Avoid speakers who deliver generic, one-size-fits-all messages. The speaker should customize their presentation to address the specific needs and challenges of your school ⁴.
Lack of Follow-Up: Ensure the speaker provides follow-up resources and support to reinforce the message after the presentation. This can include workshops, activities, or access to online materials ³.

Conclusion

Selecting the right anti-bullying speaker is a critical step in creating a safe and supportive school environment. By carefully investigating and choosing a speaker who is relevant, engaging, and positive, schools can empower students to stand against bullying and foster a culture of kindness and respect.