Nationally recognized teen mental health and bullying/cyberbullying prevention author and speaker Tom Thelen told High School and Middle School students to be“the change” so they conduct their lives with the best possible character.
He led four assemblies today, Dec. 5, while presenting a special program for parents later that evening. They are part of the district’s ongoing commitment to character education and mental health and wellbeing awareness.
With assistance from students, he spoke about how one "feels" leads to how one "thinks." That leads to what one "says" which then morphs into what one may "do" and what becomes a "habit." Ultimately, all these actions add up to what becomes one's character.
“Choice after choice, you’re ultimately choosing your character,” he told students as he reminded them that they all hopefully are on a personal journey to be a better person than they were the prior day.
Actions matter, he stressed, and that means students need to understand the ramifications and consequences of physical bullying, verbal bullying, social bullying and/or cyberbullying. It’s more than just not bullying; it also means stepping up and helping those who may be victims of such unacceptable behaviors.
“This topic is mission-critical to your school,” he said. “If you see something and don’t do anything about it, you’re just dead weight. Remember, schools are required to investigate and take action on bullying, it’s that serious and important.”
Mr. Thelen spoke about his personal bullying experience as a student and how his English teacher stepped in and changed his life. He stressed the importance of talking to a trusted adult — most times that’s a parent — or someone in school who can help.
He talked about the importance of mental wellbeing, resilience and the power of “bouncing” back, staying calm and composed in difficult moments and situations and the positive power of sincere apologies.
“What’s important in your life is what you will work on,” he said. “Be on a journey to be a better version of yourself. When you look at yourself in your own personal rearview mirror, that person will be less mature than the person who you are today. Looking forward in your personal windshield, that person ahead of you should be more mature than the person you are today.”
That means better understanding why one’s mental health is so important, why bullying of any type is unacceptable and how one simply cannot stand idly by if he/she is a witness to such behaviors.
“Ask yourself: Are you going to be a person of character?” Mr. Thelen said, “Be ‘the change’ for yourself so you can be the positive change for someone else.”
Mr. Thelen’s book. “Mental Health 101 for Teens” is an Amazon #1 new release and he’s the author of two other books for teens: “Victimproof” and “Teen Leadership Revolution.” He is a certified instructor in youth mental health first aid, a training program by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing.
He is also the founder of Reset Schools, a nonprofit that partners with K-12 schools to teach mental health skills and resiliency.
Since 2012, Mr. Thelen has spoken at over 900 schools and conferences and has been interviewed on NBC, CBS and FOX.
He is also the creator of No Bullying Schools, an evidence-based bullying curriculum with a smartphone app and video lessons on bullying and social skills.