Higgins Middle School to Hold Cyberbullying Parent Presentation

PEABODY, MA - The father of Ryan Halligan, 13-year-old boy who committed suicide in October 2003, will visit J. Henry Higgins Middle School for a presentation on June 1.

The purpose of the presentation, titled “Ryan’s Story,” is to remind students, parents and faculty of the dangers of bullying and cyberbullying, especially with the prominence of technology and social media today.

The presentation will begin at 6 p.m. and end at 7:30 p.m.

Ryan was bullied starting in the fifth grade because he was not as academically and physically strong as his fellow students.

The bullying got worse throughout middle school and forced Ryan to his breaking point when he started socializing with his classmates on instant messengers. Some of his classmates pretended to be his friend to gain his trust and get him to tell them some embarrassing stories that they would spread and use against him.

Ryan’s parents dedicated their lives to spreading awareness to prevent cyberbullying and all kinds of bullying.