Stop Bullying with Mike Hall

Gr 5 Up—How can we help our children address bullying situations? Presenter Mike Hall talks conversationally to the audience about valuable ways to cope and survive. He reveals that he was bullied for being a new kid in town and how he retaliated by bullying back. He knows what it's like and has found a better way. First, he breaks down a bullying scenario into the bully, the target, and the reaction. Then Hall goes through the four "C"s of how to handle a bully that have earned him national attention as a sought after speaker. 1. Remain calm. 2. Get connected by making friends. 3. Be confident. 4. Learn to compliment the bully. Many bullied kids withdraw, so Hall gives kids words and situations to help make the first step in gaining a friend, and he offers suggestions to compliment the bully to throw him/her off guard. The short interviews of young people display Hall's suggestions in action. Kids can gain some control in an aggressive situation and come out ahead.—Mary Lee Bulat, Harwinton Public Library, CT