Ryan's Story

Adolescence is now more challenging than ever. Bullying and suicide are on the rise - an increase linked to social media and smartphone use. John Halligan, an international bullying prevention speaker, and Emily B. Dickson, professional middle school counselor, are all too familiar with these widespread concerns. John lost his thirteen-year-old son, Ryan, to suicide in 2003. Ryan was one of the first victims of cyberbullying as social media began to emerge as an opportunity for peers to bully from a distance behind a computer screen. John shares with the reader the heartbreaking story of Ryan's short life, including lessons about suicide prevention, forgiveness, the role of bystanders, and the opportunity to apologize. Emily assists John in delivering clinically sound and practical advice based on her fifteen years of professional experience working with middle school students in this age of social media. Ryan's Story: Loved Beyond Belief will leave you with an inspirational message that will motivate you to make a change in your life. The book is primarily for middle school and high school students.