New York Times Bestselling Author, Acclaimed Bullying Expert Helps West Des Moines Fight Bullying

New York Times bestselling author and bullying survivor turned activist Jodee Blanco will deliver and bullying survival and prevention seminar to the Sacred Heart School community on Nov. 8, according to a news release.

The seminar, to be offered at 7 p.m. at the school, 1601 Grand Ave., is free and open to the public. Families are encouraged to attend.

The seminar takes place at a time when bullying has become a serious national epidemic – affecting an estimated 160,000 children from attending school every day, according to the release – and Sacred Heart School is taking proactive measures to combat this important issue within its schools.

The 90-minute family seminar and workshop will include:

• Blanco’s story of struggle as the target of severe school bullying, as well as what her parents and teachers did that helped; what didn’t and why; and insights from the thousands of students she has worked with across the nation
• Specific, practical advice for parents on how to intervene if their child is the victim, bully or bystander, from the rare point of view of someone who’s lived through it
• Insights into the plight of the “adult survivor of peer abuse” and suggestions on how to overcome those open wounds from the past
• Families are encouraged to attend and have the opportunity to speak with Jodee following the presentation. 

Blanco is the author of the memoir Please Stop Laughing at Me..., which is now required reading in many schools across the nation. Inspired by the thousands of letters she receives from students, parents, teachers, and adult survivors, Blanco is one of the nation’s most sought-after speakers.

More than half a million students have participated in her anti-bullying program, and her story has drawn attention from national media as well as the U.S. government.