WE'VE MOVED!

CHECK OUT THE ALL-NEW WWW.TIMCOLLINSONLINE.COM
FOR ALL THE LATEST INFORMATION ABOUT
TIM COLLINS' ONE-MAN SHOWS!

UPCOMING PERFORMANCES!

TIM COLLINS ON TOUR!

April 11th, Adapt of Missouri, St. Louis, MO

April 16th and 20th, Adapt of Missouri, St. Louis, MO

April 25th, SLU School of Nursing, St. Louis, MO

April 26th, with Provident, Inc. and Growing American Youth, Trinity Episcopal Church, St. Louis, MO

May 4th, Columbia Boone County Health Department, Columbia, MO

May 9th, TASH, St. Louis, MO

May 11th, Kirkwood Baptist Church, Kirkwood, MO

May 16th, Safe Connections, St. Louis, MO

May 25th, Stone Spiral Coffee House, Maplewood, MO

June 21 Congregation B’nai Amoona, St. Louis, MO

June 26th or 27th, CHARACTERplus Character Education Conference, St. Charles Convention Center, St. Charles, MO

August 26th Huston-Victoria University, Victoria, TX

Thursday, October 4th, Community Action Partnership, Canastota, NY

Friday, October 5th, 6:30 p.m., Morrisville Public Library, Morrisville, NY

THE SCRIPT, in performance, with TASH!

APRIL 3rd, CRC Auditorium, St. Louis, MO, the Teen Advocates For Sexual Health Present THE SCRIPT:

UPCOMING PERFORMANCES!

JUST CONFIRMED!

THE SCRIPT-- April 11th, Adapt of Missouri, St. Louis, MO

April 26th, with Growing American Youth-- more details TBA

STANDING BY, STANDING UP-- June 26th or 27th, CHARACTERplus Character Education Conference, St. Charles Convention Center, St. Charles, MO

STANDING BY, STANDING UP-- Thursday, October 4th,
Community Action Partnership, Canastota, NY

STANDING BY, STANDING UP-- Friday, October 5th, 6:30 p.m., Morrisville Public Library, Morrisville, NY

Stay tuned for more upcoming performances....

THE SCRIPT & STANDING BY, STANDING UP & DATE LINES, IN PERFORMANCE!

UPCOMING PERFORMANCES!

March 27th, V.V.S. High School, Verona, NY (two performances)

March 27th, Oneida Public Library, Oneida, NY

April 3rd, Central Reform Congregation, St. Louis, MO

April 16th and 20th, Adapt of Missouri, St. Louis, MO

May 4th, Columbia Boone County Health Department, Columbia, MO

May 11th, Kirkwood Baptist Church, Kirkwood, MO

May 16th, Safe Connections, St. Louis, MO

May 25th, Stone Spiral Coffee House, Maplewood, MO

June 21 Congregation B’nai Amoona, St. Louis, MO

August 26th Huston-Victoria University, Victoria, TX

for more show information:

info@timcollinsonline.com

Announcing the all new...timcollinsonline.com!

APRIL 2012

the all-new
www.timcollinsonline.com

stay tuned for more details...

USML Professor Comments on THE SCRIPT...

From Professor Kristin Carbon-Lopez, UMSL, regarding
THE SCRIPT:

"I thought the show was excellent and so compelling. I really think the key to addressing these issues (dating violence, bullying and sexual violence) is to stop telling victims how to prevent the violence, but instead appeal to the would-be offenders. Honestly, the more I learn about masculinity and our society, the happier I am not to be a man! It’s so difficult, but yet we can change it. Your show is an excellent way to do so.

Theater is a very powerful tool to disseminate this information – and your shows have a direct and utterly honest approach that I think men (and women) can understand. And, you are a fabulous actor!"

THE SCRIPT at the CRC Auditorium, Tuesday, April 3rd!

UPCOMING PERFORMANCES of a NEW SHOW by TIM COLLINS!

DATE LINES
A NEW SHOW ABOUT TEEN DATING VIOLENCE and HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS, BY TIM COLLINS!
May 4th
Columbia Boone County Health Department
Columbia, MO

DATE LINES
May 11th
Kirkwood Baptist Church
Kirkwood, MO

DATE LINES
May 25th
Stone Spiral Coffee House
Maplewood, MO

For more information, email: info@timcollinsonline.com

ANNOUNCING... A NEW SHOW by TIM COLLINS!

Debuting in May, 2012:

DATE LINES, a new one-man show addressing Teen Dating Violence and Relationship Abuse, written and performed by Tim Collins...

Check back for more details, coming soon!

STUDENTS AND EDUCATORS COMMENT ON "STANDING BY, STANDING UP"

"I've seen Tim's work several times, and each time I learned something new. STANDING BY, STANDING UP is very intelligent, empathetic, and universal. His talent has no limits."

---Gina Mesnier, RN, MSN

"Tremendous performance; a great eye-opener for people of all ages."

---Nick Raburn, Goldfarb School of Nursing Student

"Thank you for sharing you insight & energy. I am sure you have & will touch many more lives than you'll ever know."

---Goldfarb School of Nursing Student

"This show was very interesting, informative, and impressive! I couldn't take my eyes off Tim. Thank you so much for bringing this information and empowerment to kind and adults who really need it!"

---Leah Minor, Goldfarb School of Nursing Student

"Tim's show covers the experience of bullying from the victim, bully, teacher, and bystanders' view. Everyone can connect to Tim's show in one way or another."

---Goldfarb School of Nursing Student

"This is an amazing show, filled with such natural talent that is so realistic-- I felt like I was right in the middle of this skit and it kept my attention the whole time. This show really portrays the, theme of bullying very well."

---Goldfarb School of Nursing Student

"This brought me back to junior high/high school! Poignant piece. I remember so well being bullied until I came back from studying abroad as a sophomore, and had formed a new, much stronger personality.

This show addresses a very current topic, and needed."

---Kristi, Goldfarb School of Nursing Student

"Great show, really captures the problems of school-age people today."

---Tyson Davis, Goldfarb School of Nursing Student

"I feel like this performance is eye-opening, and should be seen by students everywhere. It is about time we stop pretending that bullying doesn't exist."

---Goldfarb School of Nursing Student

"GREAT JOB! Loved how you showed multiple views, as well as the character's possible thoughts and failings. Can't wait to share this with others."

---Dan Silvey, Goldfarb School of Nursing Student

STUDENTS COMMENT ON "THE SCRIPT"

"I thought the show was awesome. Tim did such a great job of choosing the most relatable characters to get his message out there in the best way he could, in a way that would really get people to start thinking about the things they do and how they think about women. I think it takes a lot of courage to get up in front of a large crowd & act that out & I feel privileged to have seen the show. It made me want to respect myself more than I already do. Thank you so much."

Rachel Edmonds, Saint Louis University student

New Performances of THE SCRIPT and STANDING BY, STANDING UP!

Just Announced!

February 25th-- Standing By, Standing Up, United Church of Christ, Saint Louis, MO

March 15th-- Standing By, Standing Up @ THE SPOT, Saint Louis, MO

March 1st-- THE SCRIPT @ UMSL, as part of a special evening to benefit Women Survivors of Violence, in conjunction with SAFE CONNECTIONS. More details soon!

THE SCRIPT and STANDING BY, STANDING UP, ON TOUR!

February 1st-- THE SCRIPT at St. Louis University, School of Nursing, Saint Louis, MO

February 10th-- Standing By, Standing Up at the Healthy Americans Resource Fair, Flo Valley Community College, Florissant, MO

February 13th-- Standing By, Standing Up, ADAPT of Missouri, Saint Louis, MO

February 17th-- Standing By, Standing Up, ADAPT of Missouri, Saint Louis, MO

March 27th-- Standing By, Standing Up, Vernon-Verona-Sherrill High School, Verona, NY

April 3rd-- THE SCRIPT, CRC Auditorium, Saint Louis, MO

April 25th-- Standing By, Standing Up, Saint Louis University School of Nursing

for more info on any of these performances, email:

info@timcollinsonline.com

National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month, 2012

This month is Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month... here's a few words from our President, regarding this important month:

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month reflects our Nation's growing understanding that violence within relationships often begins during adolescence. Each year, about one in four teens report being the victim of verbal, physical, emotional, or sexual violence. Abusive relationships can impact adolescent development, and teens who experience dating violence may suffer long-term negative behavioral and health consequences. Adolescents in controlling or violent relationships may carry these dangerous and unhealthy patterns into future relationships. The time to break the cycle of teen dating violence is now, before another generation falls victim to this tragedy.

Though many communities face the problem of teen dating violence, young people can be afraid to discuss it, or they may not recognize the severity of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse. Parents and other adults can also be uncomfortable acknowledging that young people experience abuse, or may be unaware of its occurrence. To help stop abuse before it starts, mentors and leaders must stress the importance of mutual respect and challenge representations in popular culture that can lead young people to accept unhealthy behavior in their relationships.

Our efforts to take on teen dating violence must address the social realities of adolescent life today. Technology such as cell phones, email, and social networking websites play a major role in many teenagers' lives, but these tools are sometimes tragically used for control, stalking, and victimization. Emotional abuse using digital technology, including frequent text messages, threatening emails, and the circulation of embarrassing messages or photographs without consent, can be devastating to young teens. I encourage concerned teens, parents, and loved ones to contact the National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline at 1-866-331-9474 or visit www.LoveIsRespect.org to receive immediate and confidential advice and referrals.

My Administration is committed to engaging a broad spectrum of community partners to curb and prevent teen dating violence. The Department of Justice's Office on Violence Against Women supports collaborative efforts to enhance teens' understanding of healthy relationships, help them identify signs of abuse, and assist them in locating services. Resources are available at: www.OVW.USDOJ.gov/teen_dating_violence.htm. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also provide tools to help prevent dating violence among teens. More information is available at: www.CDC.gov/ChooseRespect.

During National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month -- and throughout the year -- let each of us resolve to do our part to break the silence and create a culture of healthy relationships for all our young people. Adults who respect themselves, their partners, and their neighbors demonstrate positive behaviors to our children -- lessons that will help them lead safe and happy lives free from violence.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim February 2011 as National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month. I call upon all Americans to support efforts in their communities and schools, and in their own families, to empower young people to develop healthy relationships throughout their lives and to engage in activities that prevent and respond to teen dating violence.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of January, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.

BARACK OBAMA

April 3rd, THE SCRIPT, in performance!

April 3rd, CRC Auditorium, St. Louis, THE SCRIPT in performance! This show is hosted by Planned Parenthood's Teen Advocates For Sexual Health. Stay tuned for more details!

Upcoming Performances of THE SCRIPT and STANDING BY, STANDING UP...

January 24th-- Standing By, Standing Up at Maplewood-Richmond Heights High School, Maplewood, MO

January 27th-- THE SCRIPT and Standing By, Standing Up at Chaminade Preparatory College, St. Louis, MO

February 1st-- THE SCRIPT at St. Louis University, School of Nursing

February 10th-- Standing By, Standing Up at the Healthy Americans Resource Fair, Flo Valley Community College

March 20th-- THE SCRIPT-- details TBA

for more info on any of these performances, email: info@timcollinsonline.com

Standing By, Standing Up, the video, NOW ON LINE!

Check out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLpxyX_YCNA


filmed by Chris Latragna...

Images from the forthcoming STANDING BY, STANDING UP Video!

Photos by Chris Latragna... this video will be on-line tomorrow!

An Evening Of Theater, Community, and Violence Prevention

An Evening Of Theater And Community To Prevent Violence, at the Regional Arts Commission, December 1st, 2011...

Thanks to all who participated to make a great evening!

RESERVE YOUR SEATS FOR DECEMBER 1st, & ST. LOUIS KIDS MAGAZINE INTERVIEW!

Book your seats today for AN EVENING OF THEATER AND COMMUNITY TO PREVENT VIOLENCE!

314 651 2078

leave a message stating:

You name

Number of seats

Phone number

Or, email: info@ timcollinsonline.com

See you on the 1st!

St. Louis Playwright Uses Theater to Help End Cycle of Violence

by Nicole Plegge on 11-28-2011

On December 1, parents and teens alike are invited to join Tim Collins for two powerful plays – The Script, which explores society’s misconceptions about dating violence, and Standing By, Standing Up, a closer look at the bullying epidemic.

From The Color Purple’s Celie to Miranda Lambert’s “Gunpowder and Lead,” the entertainment world has shined a spotlight on the issue of domestic violence, raising awareness through the eyes and voices of the women who live it every day.

Yet few ever get inside of the minds of the men who commit physically and sexually violent acts to explore why they believe violence is acceptable and how they justify their terrible actions - Information that could help stop the cycle of abuse.

Here in St. Louis, schools and nonprofits alike have welcomed actor and playwright Tim Collins to their stages. Through his one-man performance, The Script, Collins is using his heartfelt words to assist in ending dating and domestic violence before it starts. And on December 1^st, he’ll perform this celebrated play, along with his new work, the anti-bullying Standing By, Standing Up, at the Regional Arts Commission for a night of art and awareness.

The Story behind The Script

Like most individuals, Collins was aware there’s an issue of domestic and dating violence in this country, but it wasn’t until he began discussing the topic with the women in his life did the enormity of the epidemic take shape. Every female friend, every female family member had a story that hit close to home, whether it affected her acquaintance, her roommate or even herself.

Explained Collins, “No man I knew would say to me, ‘I wouldn’t feel safe walking by myself or running in this park.’ Men have a sort of privilege; they feel safe all the time. Women have to have a battle plan even if they’re just walking out of their house. They always have to have something prepared just in case – that’s a horrible way to live. I thought there surely must be something I could do to help.”

As an actor who studied at Marlboro College and Arts ED UK, Collins decided to direct his talents toward advocacy. Putting pen to paper, the playwright crafted The Script to target domestic and dating violence. The 40-minute play goes inside the minds of four young men in the wake of a sexual attack on a female classmate. Through his characters, Collins exposes the misconception of blaming the victim and explores how one’s inability to handle challenges to his masculinity can set him on a dangerous course toward violence.

In the past two years, The Script has not only struck a chord with theatergoers, but has grown into a critical teaching tool for a network of schools, nonprofits and other agencies across St. Louis. Collins regularly performs The Script for a variety of audiences, including students as young as eighth grade, as well as adults who themselves have been abusive to their partners.

Collins believes exposing the flaws of his characters is what has turned a passive theater experience into a passionate and educational conversation between himself and the audience. “I like portraying misinformed characters who say – this is what I believe – to get the audience to react and disagree with me. By showing all levels of understanding across the spectrum – from ignorance about domestic violence to some kind of enlightenment on the issue, that’s where the dialogue happens. I want my characters to change their limited viewpoints and hopefully the audience will learn alongside them.”

The Next Show in a Series

With the success of The Script, Collins decided to expand his reach in Fall 2011 with Standing By, Standing Up, which targets the reasons behind and consequences of today’s bullying epidemic. While Collins initially created the show to target middle and high schoolers, agencies encouraged him to expand it to children as young as fourth grade – a sad realization about the severity of the issue.

Yet, through Standing By, Standing Up, audiences discover ways to end bullying in their organizations. “I hope I created a show that lets kids look at the system of violence in their schools, and think, ‘Can I step in?’ ‘Can I identify people who are being bullied, but don’t have the skills or emotional knowledge to stop it?’ ‘Can I help create an environment where people are helped instead of hurt?’”

On Thursday, December 1, Collins will perform both The Script and Standing By, Standing Up at the Regional Arts Commission, 6128 Delmar Blvd., at 6:30 p.m. The night will also feature a Resource Fair and Panel Discussion featuring local violence prevention agencies. There is no cost for the event, but donations will be accepted. Organizations who wish to have Collins perform at their facilities can contact him through www.timcollinssoloperformer.blogspot.com.

Moving forward, Collins is continuing to affect social change through his work on two new performances examining mental illness and sex education. “There are so many issues out there, from suicide prevention to heroin abuse,” he remarked. “There’s an infinite amount of shows, and an infinite number of agencies in St. Louis. I am so excited to be sharing my work with them to help others.”

By Nicole Plegge, Lifestyle Blogger for SmartParenting

TIM COLLINS ON KXEN RADIO!

Tuesday, 3:30 p.m., KXEN 1010 AM Radio, Tim will talk about Standing By, Standing Up, a one-man show about Bullying Prevention, and An Evening Of Theater And Community, which takes place on December 1st at the Regional Arts Commission! Tune in on Tuesday and catch this interview, and be sure to reserve your seats for December 1st!

Reserve Your Seats, Today!

an EVENING of THEATER and COMMUNITY

for VIOLENCE PREVENTION

Don't miss this FREE evening of Educational Theater and Community Resources, sponsored by Teen Pregnancy Prevention Partnership!

Thursday, December 1st, 6 PM to 8:45 PM
at the Regional Arts Commission, 6128 Delmar Blvd., St. Louis, MO
The Evening's Schedule:

Beginning at 6 PM, a Healthy Relationships Resource Fair, featuring nearly a dozen St. Louis-based agencies

At 6:45 PM, a performance of Standing By, Standing Up, a one-man show about Bullying Prevention, by Tim Collins

Following the performance, the Resource Fair will re-open, and light refreshments, coffee, and non-alcoholic beverages will be available

At 7:45 PM, a performance of THE SCRIPT, a one-man show about Dating Violence Prevention, by Tim Collins

Following the second performance, there will be a Q & A Panel Discussion with activists and educators!

Some of the great St. Louis-based agencies participating in the Resource Fair and Panel Discussion:

Teen Pregnancy Prevention Partnership, Planned Parenthood, TASH, Provident Inc., Safe Connections, Family Resource Center, VSA Missouri, St. Louis Regional Sexual Assault Center, Project Village Group Mentoring Program, Epworth Street Outreach, RAVEN, and A Place To Turn To!

You are welcome to attend any portion of the evening, or all of it!

Admission to this special evening is FREE!
Donations for teen education will be accepted.

Reservations are highly recommended!

Please call: 314-651-2078 to reserve your seats!

for more information:

Check out YouTube Clips:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YrDGssNdvjk

and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zAIYEUBVIA

STANDING BY, STANDING UP, IN PERFORMANCE!

November 14th, @ Adapt of Missouri--

Tim performed Standing By, Standing Up, a new one-man show about Bullying Prevention. Here's what the audience members had to say:

"Fantastic! I was completely immersed in the story. You should be commended for the work you do. You are a very talented man. Thank you for this experience."

--Michelle Shellenberg, CST

"Tremendously powerful! Tim makes you really think beyond what's apparent. Every child, teen, and adult needs to see his shows."

--Gina Mesnier, RN, MSN

"His performance was so powerful! I would recommend this performance for all school-aged children!"

--Katie Elmore, Nursing Student, Goldfarb School of Nursing

"Beautiful performance. Keep up the great job!"

--Loreta S., Goldfarb School of Nursing

"A powerful performance!"

--Nicole Shelton, Nursing Student

"The show was great. All the characters were believable, and you get sucked in to the show. I definetely recommend seeing it."

--Emily Bollinger, Nursing Student

"Terrific performance. Definitely relates to real-life situations. I was very impacted by the performance."

--E.W., Nursing Student

"TERRIFIC! POWERFUL! I'm at a loss for words. This performance is a must-see for all educational levels."

--Tami P., Nursing Student

Thanks to Gina and the Goldfarb Nursing Students for being a great audience!

Reserve Your Seats Today!!!

AN EVENING OF ACTIVIST THEATER AND COMMUNITY RESOURCES

A special performance, sponsored by Teen Pregnancy Prevention Partnership, of two one-man shows, written and performed by Tim Collins: STANDING BY, STANDING UP, a one-man show about Bullying Prevention, and THE SCRIPT, a one-man show about Dating Violence Prevention. The performances will be preceded by a resource fair, with a number of St. Louis-based social work & violence prevention agencies in attendance. The performances will be followed by a panel discussion with representatives of the various agencies; this will be a great, community-focused event!

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1st
Regional Arts Commission
6128 Delmar Blvd.
St. Louis, MO

Some of the great St. Louis-based agencies that will be in the Resource Fair and Panel Discussion:

Teen Pregnancy Prevention Partnership
Provident, Inc.
Safe Connections
Planned Parenthood and the TASH Teen Taskforce!
VSA Missouri
Family Resource Center
St. Louis Regional Sexual Assault Center
Epworth Street Outreach
Project Village Group Mentoring Program
RAVEN

Admission to this community-focused evening is FREE-- Donations for
Teen Education will be accepted.
Reservations are highly recommended!
Please call: 314 651 2078 to reserve your seats!

6:00- 6:45 PM Healthy Relationships Resource Fair
6:45 PM Performance of Standing By, Standing Up
7:20 PM Resource Fair & Free Coffee!
7:45 PM Performance of THE SCRIPT
8:20 PM Panel Discussion with Activists and Educators

THE SCRIPT & STANDING BY, STANDING UP, IN PERFORMANCE!

AN EVENING OF ACTIVIST THEATER AND COMMUNITY RESOURCES!

A special performance, sponsored by Teen Pregnancy Prevention Partnership, of two one-man shows, written and performed by Tim Collins: STANDING BY, STANDING UP, a one-man show about Bullying Prevention, and THE SCRIPT, a one-man show about Dating Violence Prevention. The performances will be preceded by a resource fair, with a number of St. Louis-based social work & violence prevention agencies in attendance. The performances will be followed by a panel discussion with representatives of the various agencies; this will be a great, community-focused event!

Some of the great St. Louis-based agencies that will be in the Resource Fair and Panel Discussion:

Teen Pregnancy Prevention Partnership
Provident, Inc.
Safe Connections
Adapt of Missouri
St. Louis Regional Sexual Assault Center
Planned Parenthood and the TASH Teen Taskforce!

WHERE: The Regional Arts Commission, 6128 Delmar Blvd., St. Louis, MO

Admission to this community-focused evening is FREE! Donations for Teen Education will be accepted, and appreciated!
Reservations are highly recommended! Please call: 314 651 2078 to reserve your seats!

STANDING BY, STANDING UP, IN PERFORMANCE!

STANDING BY, STANDING UP, Tim's new solo show about Bullying Prevention, was on tour throughout October...

October 20th, three performances at Imagine Academy Middle School, St. Louis, MO

October 26th, one performance at Maplewood Richmond Heights Middle School, Maplewood, MO

& October 27th, a public performance at the Stone Spiral Coffee House, Maplewood, MO

Thanks to all the students, teachers, and agencies that helped make these shows possible!

STANDING BY, STANDING UP at IMAGINE ACADEMY of CAREERS MIDDLE SCHOOL!

Thursday, October 20th--

Three performances of STANDING BY, STANDING UP, one of Tim's newest one-man shows! Thanks to all the students and staff of this great St. Louis school... here's some comments from teachers in attendance...


"AMAZING!"
--Trish Iaiennaro, Spanish Teacher


"Great job! Convincing!"
-- Teacher


"Great lesson-- your message was very relative to the students."
-- Teacher


"I thought the show was very educational and informative. Also quite entertaining!"
--MOMOF2IL


"I thought it was really great! The students were very engaged. You showed all the different roles very well. Keep up the good work!"
--Teacher


"The show was good, and the kids were interested and involved the whole time. It was very relevant."
--Teacher


"Very good! Realistic, and the show induced problem-solving type-thinking. Entertaining! The students were attentive and engaged for the full 40 minutes!"
--Teacher

From the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services...

Adolescent Health Insider: Bullying and Adolescent Health

U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services sent this bulletin at 10/19/2011 08:16 AM EDT

October 19, 2011

National Bullying Prevention Month

October is National Bullying Prevention Month, a time to focus on an issue that was identified as a being a "big problem” among eight- to 15-year-olds in a national survey. Adolescents reported that bullying was a problem for them more often than racism, HIV/AIDS, or the pressure to have sex, and was as much of a problem as the pressure to use drugs or alcohol.¹

Bullying can interfere with the important interpersonal relationships that support an adolescent’s mental health and wellbeing. Bullying is defined as repeated interpersonal behavior that is intended to do physical or psychological harm.2 Increasingly, schools, communities, parents, and adolescents are acknowledging that bullying is not a rite of passage, but rather a practice that can be extremely damaging to children and teens.3 To help address the issue in schools, the U.S. Department of Education has released best practices upon which states can model effective anti-bullying policies. Also, in March 2011, the White House held its first Conference on Bullying Prevention to discuss how we can all work together to end bullying’s status as an accepted practice, and create a safer environment for children and teens.

Bullying: Up Front and Virtual

Between 2001 and 2007, bullying was on the rise among adolescents and, in 2009, one in five high school students reported that they were bullied on school property in the past year.⁴,⁵ Approximately eight percent of high school students admit to having bullied others, and about 6.5 percent of high schoolers are both bullies and victims of bullying.⁶ The risk of cyberbullying has also increased along with the growth of technology in the lives of adolescents. Cyberbullying ranges from repeatedly making fun of another person through email or text messaging to posting something online about them that they don’t like.⁷ Of these, adolescents are most commonly cyberbullied via text message.⁸ In 2010, one in five adolescents said that they had been cyberbullied at some point in their lives, and about the same number admit to having been a cyberbully. One in ten adolescents had been both a cyberbully and a victim.⁹

Perhaps not surprisingly, there is often crossover between being cyberbullied and being bullied in person–victims of cyberbullying were more likely to get into a physical fight at school or to be the victim of a crime than were students who were not cyberbullied.¹⁰ Generally, boys are more at risk of being bullied physically while girls are more frequently the victims of Internet harassment and emotional bullying, such as social exclusion.¹¹

Did you know? Adolescents who bully others are more likely to have been physically hurt by a family member and/or to have witnessed violence in their homes.12 October is also Domestic Violence Awareness Month—adolescents experiencing domestic violence in their home, their family members, and those that care about them can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE for help.

Want to learn more about adolescent health?

The Office of Adolescent Health is proud to introduce our newly redesigned website, which features tips, facts and information on federal resources and initiatives related to adolescent mental health, physical health and nutrition, reproductive health, substance abuse, and healthy relationships. Stop by www.hhs.gov/ash/oah to find: The latest news about teen health and federal adolescent health initiatives Evidence-based programs to reduce teen pregnancy and other risky sexual behaviors Outstanding federal resources on adolescent health Information tailored for parents at Conversation Generation, with tips and strategies on how to talk to teens about sensitive topics like sex and relationships A national and state map with the latest federal statistics on adolescent health listed by topic and state

Connect with OAH through Twitter (@teenhealthgov) or add a badge to your site to help promote the adolescent health resources on the OAH website!

Additional Federal Resources: Preventing Bullying and Building Healthy Adolescent Relationships

• OAH has resources on healthy relationships in adolescence, including how adolescents and those who care about them can help prevent or stop bullying.
• StopBullying.gov, a special initiative from the Department of Health and Human Services, provides information from government agencies on how kids, teens, young adults, parents, educators, and others in the community can prevent or stop bullying.
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Striving To Reduce Youth Violence Everywhere (STRYVE) initiative provides communities with the knowledge and resources to prevent youth violence, including bullying.
• GirlsHealth.gov, a site from the Office on Women’s Health, has bullying resources for adolescent girls, like “The different ways girls bully and the long-lasting hurt it can cause,” as well as resources on adolescent bullying for their parents and caregivers.
• Watch video, download audio, or read the transcript from the White House’s Conference on Bullying Prevention here. Additional materials from the conference, including presentations like “Reducing the Effectiveness of Bullying Behavior in Schools” and “Effective Strategies in Combating Bullying” can be found here.

THE SCRIPT at CHILDREN'S ADVOCACY SERVICES of GREATER ST. LOUIS!

Thursday, October 13th, Tim brings THE SCRIPT to Children's Advocacy Services of Greater St. Louis.

From Children's Advocacy's website:

"The Mission of Children’s Advocacy Services of Greater St. Louis is to reduce the effects of trauma experienced by children and adolescents through: trauma informed assessment and counseling, facilitation of multi-disciplinary investigative teams, child-sensitive forensic interviews, consistent victim advocacy, quality undergraduate and graduate training, utilization based research, responsive community outreach, and relevant advocacy to influence public policy."

We are thrilled to share THE SCRIPT with this important agency!

Catch a public performance of THE SCRIPT, a one-man show about Dating Violence Prevention!

December 1st, at the Regional Arts Commission. This will be part of a special evening-- Tim will also be performing Standing By, Standing Up, a one-man show about Bullying and Violence prevention. Check back soon for further details!