Bullying can affect everyone—those who are bullied, those who bully, and even those who witness bullying. Bullying is linked to many negative outcomes including impacts on mental health, substance use, and suicide.
Only 20% of bullying is reported so it is important for youth to have an action plan and programs that address/prevent bullying. Amy McCarthy joins special guest host Clare Kramer as she speaks with Erin Wick who is a Senior Director of Behavioral Health and Student support at a health treatment center and schools. They discuss signs of bullying, what to do if your child is bullying, and cyber-bullying.
Then, Jodie Sweetin talks with Trevor Donovan who started a nationwide anti-bullying program called Team Upstanders. He explains how the program uses positive peer pressure and mediation, the effects of online bullying, and Trevor shares an inspiring story of success. Tune in to learn tips on creating an action plan for bullying together as a family.
IN THIS EPISODE:
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
***DISCLAIMER***The views, information, or opinions expressed during the Awkward Conversation series are solely those of the individuals, speakers, commentators, experts, and or hosts involved and do not necessarily reflect nor represent those of the production, associates or broadcaster, or any of its employees. Production is not responsible and does not verify for accuracy any of the information contained in the series available for viewing. The primary purpose of this series is to educate and inform. This series does not constitute medical or other professional advice or services. This series is available for private, non-commercial use only. The production, broadcaster, or its channel cannot be held accountable for all or any views expressed during this program.
Resources:
Growing Up Drug-Free: A Parent's Guide to Substance Use Prevention
Never Thought I’d Say This Podcast with Jodie Sweetin
Team Upstandards with Trevor Donovan
Elks Drug Awareness Program Website
Watch Awkward Conversations Season 1 the series:
Awkward Breakfast Conversations - Ep. 1
Awkward Lunch Conversations - Ep. 2
Awkward Dinner Conversations - Ep. 3
Bios:
Jodie Sweetin
Jodie Sweetin is an American actress and television personality known for her role as Stephanie Tanner in the ABC comedy series Full House and its Netflix sequel series Fuller House. Jodie is joined by Content Expert Amy McCarthy, a Senior Clinical Social Worker at Boston Children's Hospital.
Clare Kramer
Clare Kramer A graduate of NYU’s prestigious Tisch School of the Arts, Clare earned her BFA in just three years. While in New York, Clare appeared in numerous stage plays including one turn as Helen Keller in the stage version of "The Miracle Worker", the lead role in "Light Up the Sky" at the acclaimed Lee Strasberg Theater Institute, "Beyond Therapy" at the John Houseman Theater, and "Beginnings" at Circle in the Square. She began appearing in small and bit parts in films like In & Out and Vig. Clare first rose to attention as the hard-nosed cheerleader "Courtney" in the blockbuster hit Bring It On appearing alongside Kirsten Dunst and Eliza Dushku. Immediately following, Clare was cast in a recurring role as "Glory", the vain hell-goddess on the television hit Buffy the Vampire Slayer which gained Clare additional acclaim as one of Buffy's most popular adversaries. Clare has worked in both major studio and independent films, the most notable being Roger Avary's feature adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis' The Rules of Attraction, as well as "Lucy In the Sky" in the film D.E.B.S. She was also cast in lead roles in The Skulls III. She also appeared on television in a few guest appearances on Sabrina the Teenage Witch, The Random Years, and Tru Calling. She continues to work for both stage and movie roles, most recently with the horror flick The Gravedancers.
Clare is also active in various charities dating back to 1992 when she helped the Ohio Recreation Unlimited and in 1993 when she served as a summer camp counselor at a YMCA camp for children with physical disabilities. During the summer months from 1992 to 1997, she taught young adults with developmental disabilities at the Young Adult Institute in New York. She worked during the summer of 2000 at LA's Camp Laurel and participated in a 2002 bicycle race to raise money for Children International. Also in 2002, Clare rode her bicycle in the annual AIDS Ride, where participants ride over a seven-day period that takes them from San Francisco to Los Angeles. In 2006, while on a trip to Australia and New Zealand with her husband, film producer Brian R. Keathley, Clare delivered school supplies to the small village of Tufi, Papua New Guinea.
Amy McCarthy
Amy McCarthy, LICSW, is the Director of Social Work for the Adolescent Substance Use and Addiction Program (ASAP) at Boston Children's Hospital where she provides direct clinical and programmatic support. Additionally, Amy has extensive experience working in community-based settings providing care to young people living with complex mental health needs, and their families. As the former director of the Boston-Suffolk County Family Resource Center, she worked with an abundance of community partners to ensure residents had access to vital resources to meet basic needs and beyond. Amy received her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work (BSW) from Siena College and earned a Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW) from Wheelock College.
Trevor Donovan
Trevor Donovan was born in Mammoth Lakes, California. Trevor grew up skiing & snowboarding, and during his teens, was on the US teen ski team.
Trevor is a true renaissance man, aside from being proficient at most sports, he can play guitar and sing, earned a bachelor's degree in graphic design, and is an active ambassador for Habitat for Humanity & the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice & Human Rights, a canine advocate, and started a nationwide anti-bullying program called Team Upstanders. #TeamUpstanders
Trevor is most known for his work as a fan favorite, Teddy Montgomery on the global pop culture phenom 90210, as the show's 1st and only lgbtq+ character that was a series regular. Trevor also starred in the History Channel epic mini-series Texas Rising opposite Bill Paxton, Ray Liotta, and Jeffrey Dean Morgan. Donovan's upcoming projects include the movie Reagan with Dennis Quaid, as well as Wolfhound, Aloha with Love, The Engagement Plot, and Hot Water. His TV credits include recurring roles on Sun Records, The Client List, Melissa & Joey, Awkward, NCIS, and Lucifer.
As a leading man in Rom-Coms, Trevor has starred in the following titles: Strawberry Summer, Love on a Limb, Marry Me at Christmas, Snowcoming, Nostalgic Christmas, Love, Fall & Order, USS Christmas, Two For The Win, Nantucket Noel, Jingle Bell Princess, Aloha with Love, The Engagement Plot, Love Finds You in Charm, Runaway Romance, Prescription for Love, and Love, Lost & Found.
Donovan is active daily on social media, with a worldwide reach of over 10 million people a month across 3 platforms. Donovan refers to his social media platforms as "An escape from negativity and a positive place for pet lovers." Donovan is also an author, he wrote 3 children's books: "Love Always, Dogbert & Tito" and "Love Always, Dogbert's Journey" which features Dogbert the German Shepherd, Tito the English Bulldog, and Shadow the Golden Retriever on their magical adventures. The third book is called "Love Always, Chance the Courageous" and introduces Chance to the CK9 Crew. Donovan's "Love Always" series is inspired by real-life everyday experiences that have been shared with millions of devoted fans around the world via his social media channels. They are stories about love, inspiration, and hope for adults and children of all ages that end on a happy note.
Erin Wick
Erin L. Wick is the Senior Director of Behavioral Health and Integrated Student Supports at Capital Region ESD 113 in Tumwater, Washington supporting 44 school districts and one tribal compact school who serve about 73,000 students and their families. Erin also serves in the role of State Lead for COVID response for Behavioral Health for the Association of Educational Service Districts in Washington State. Erin has dedicated her career to increasing systems of care for the health and wellness of the region. She and her team partner with school leaders, governmental and public agencies, and communities across the region and Washington state. In 2022, Erin’s team was recognized by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy’s National Drug Control Strategy for their innovation and positive student outcomes using the Student Assistance Program model.
About Elks
As a 150-year-old organization, they are 100% inclusive with a membership of close to 1 million diverse men and women in over 2,000 Lodges nationally, and while they consider themselves faith-based, they are nondenominational and open to all creeds. The Elks have always prided themselves on civic duty, and the Elks Drug and Alcohol Prevention (DAP) program is the nation's largest all-volunteer Kids Drug & Alcohol Use Prevention program. The Elks are also strong supporters of our brave men and women in the military, having built and donated the nation's first VA Hospital to the U.S. government. The Elks have donated more than $3.6 billion in cash, goods, and services to enrich the lives of millions of people!
About DEA
The United States Drug Enforcement Administration was created in 1973 by President Nixon after the government noticed an alarming rise in recreational drug use and drug-related crime. A division of the Department of Justice, DEA is tasked with enforcing the controlled substances laws by apprehending offenders to be prosecuted for criminal and civil crimes. DEA is the largest and most effective anti-drug organization in the world, with 239 domestic locations and 91 foreign offices in 68 countries.