Vermont: Joseph Stillwell Middle Students Get Lesson in the Tragedy of Bullying

 Roger Weeder     3 hrs ago

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- John Halligan is a father who lives in pain knowing his son, Ryan, was a victim of bullying and committed suicide as a result.

Halligan who tours the country talking about his personal experience spent the day at Joseph Stillwell Middle School sharing his story.

"Turns out it was not about throwing punches; it was about throwing words," said Halligan, who detailed how his son was bullied verbally and through the internet.

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"I remember this age. I remember the handful of kids who go for the cheap laugh at someone's expense."

The Vermont father recalls vividly Oct. 7, 2003 when he was traveling on business and got the call from home that his 13- year-old son had committed suicide.

His developmentally challenged son became preoccupied on the internet; only after his death did Halligan become aware of the rumors being spread about Ryan.

He spoke for about an hour before the midddle-schoolers and then took their questions, covering eveything except details of how his son died.

Following his son's suicide, Halligan spearheaded a campaign in Vermont that resulted in that state's bully prevention law. He also was involved in an effort that resulted in mandatory suicide prevention education in Vermont schools.

More information Ryan's life and his dad's efforts