Comedian magician Mark Alan doesn’t need to hear that bullying is no laughing matter. As a former victim, he now goes around spreading his anti-bullying message and recently shared with locals on Saturday, Sept. 17, at the Flagler County Public Library.
“When I was young, a kid who lived in my neighborhood was relentless on me for years,” Alan said. “The fear factor is the most important thing that bullies use. The two things that are most important to bully prevention are to try to stop being afraid of the bullies, and to make sure everybody stands together. If you have 10 kids and two bullies, the 10 kids will be more powerful than two bullies.”
Alan provoked a great deal of laughter and astonishment with his magic and comedy, while at the same time “hammering home” home his serious message. He also used the kids in attendance as props, and they all got a kick out of the entertainment.
“It was awesome!” said Arian Lugger, who came with his mother. “When I now see someone getting bullied, I’m going to go get help, and I’m going to help them.”
After he performs for an audience, Alan loves to get calls from parents who thank him because their kids put into practice his methods and overcome bullying.
While his show is geared for young students, Alan stated that bullying also happens to adults. Whether by a boss, coworker or anywhere else, they too suffer much of the same treatment by other adults, and he believes his methods can also aid in preventing them from bully attacks.
“The method is not brain surgery,” Alan said. “It’s kind of easy stuff, but it’s not easy to get everyone to do it.”
DID YOU KNOW? There are three major forms of bullying: Physical, verbal and social/cyber. And, when there is someone around, bullying will be stopped within 30 seconds.
S.T.A.N.D. Mark Alan presents these steps to try to prevent bullying: Stop the bullying. Tell someone. Ask for help. Nobody deserves bullying. Don't be a bystander.
