BULLYING & SUICIDE PREVENTION PRESENTATIONS
Ryan’s Story by John Halligan
Middle and high school assemblies on bullying, cyberbullying, and suicide prevention. Inspiring students to choose kindness, become upstanders, and reach out for support through a powerful, personal, age-appropriate presentation by John Halligan.
Grades 5–12 · 60-minute student assembly
A real story. A shared responsibility.
John Halligan in conversation with a school community.
20+ years
of presentations
2,500+ schools
visited
1 million+ students
reached. Experience figures reported by Ryan’s Story, not outcome measures.
A conversation for students.
The student assembly
Ryan’s Story invites students to reflect on empathy, bullying, cyberbullying and asking for help. The focus is on everyday choices and the people we can turn to.
A connection with families.
The parent program
A practical conversation about social media, cyberbullying and teen mental health, with ways to stay connected and engaged in your child’s life.
THE STORY BEHIND THE WORK
Ryan’s life.
A father’s voice.
A continuing purpose.
In 2003, John Halligan lost his 13-year-old son, Ryan, to suicide. He shares his family’s story with honesty and care, including the bullying Ryan experienced and the role depression played.
Through Ryan’s Story, John invites students to consider how they treat one another, take responsibility when they have caused harm and reach out to trusted adults when they need support.
01 / KINDNESS
See the person on the other side.
Practice empathy in person and online. Notice classmates who may feel isolated or excluded.
02 / RESPONSIBILITY
Move from bystander to upstander.
Recognize bullying, speak up and consider the impact of your words and actions.
03 / CONNECTION
Know when to ask for help.
Turn to a trusted adult when you or a friend is struggling. No one should face a struggle alone.
KEEP THE CONVERSATION GOING
Find the next step that’s right for you.
Resources for the classroom, conversations at home and finding support when it’s needed.
Educators
Parents and caregivers
“There isn’t a week that goes by that I don’t think back to the presentation and story you told.”
Stephanie · Former student · Excerpt
A personal reflection, not a measure of how every student responds. Individual accounts do not establish that one assembly prevents suicide. The full collection includes accounts of suicidal thoughts or attempts.
Bring Ryan’s Story to your school community.
Explore the programs, review pricing and check availability.