Bullying is no laughing matter, but humor has the power to heal.
Keith Deltano is a nationally-known motivational speaker who will travel to North Carolina to speak at Greensboro’s Walter Hines Page High School. He has experience as a 6th grade teacher, youth leader and private counselor.
Using comedy, Deltano challenges kids and young adults to consider bullying from various angles: catcher, thrower and spectator. According to his website, his program, “Don’t Bully,” is about “acceptance, making new friends by reaching out, and encouraging the audience to stop judging one another by outward appearance, speech or economic status.”
Keith’s message is an important one that tries to cut at the core of a pervasive issue in the American educational system. The problem is so prevalent, in fact, that you might even find yourself questioning how bullying could ever come to a stop. Many people seem to think it’s just something you have to go through, that all kids are victims or perpetrators (or both!) at some point during their childhood. Even 25% of teachers don’t consider bullying an issue!
But at some point, school communities have to put a foot down. Research is beginning to show the clear connection between bullying and suicide. In fact, bullying has been linked with serious violence, school shootings and hazing activities, according to the U.S. Department of Education.
But contrary to popular perception, world-wide research indicates that the rate bullying can be reduced by up to 50%. Organizations like Stop Bullying Now! and individuals like Keith Deltano go a long way in raising awareness about the problem. These dedicated folks also lend a hand in preventing bullying.
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