Meet Erin Barlow - Episode 4

We have another wonderful guest on this week’s episode of PACERTalks About Bullying. Meet Erin Barlow, a national ambassador for PACER, who speaks to students around the country about bullying.

Transcript

Hey, welcome to PACER Talks About Bullying. I'm Bailey. We're glad you're here.

So, in Episode Four, we are so excited to have Erin Barlow with us, today. Erin is a national ambassador and motivational speaker for PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center. Thanks for being here.

Thank you, for having me.

So, let's first get started with how did you first connect with the National Bullying Prevention Center?

So, I got connected a few years ago through a friend, who then introduced me to Paula Goldberg.

Yeah.

And after meeting with her and she told me all about, you know, what PACER stands for, and how its mission is to help kids who've been bullied, and also, to really recognize their self-worth, I have to be a part of this. And I was so happy to jump on board, because well, I was bullied in middle school.

Yeah.

And so, to have an organization that helps kids when they're going through a really difficult time. I thought this is absolutely amazing.

Yeah. Well, we're so thankful for the friend that introduced you to Paula and got connected with us.

Definitely.

So, as someone that's spoken all over about the issue of bullying, what's one thing that you think everyone should know about bullying prevention?

I think that everybody should know the serious effects of bullying and what it has on an individual. Especially, you know, kids who are going through this very, you know, developmental stage.

Yeah.

That you know, when you're at that stage, you have so many insecurities and you don't really know what's going on. So, to have, you know, the added addition of being bullied, that can be very traumatizing.

Yeah.

And it has a lifelong effect. And that's why it's so important to get help.

Mm-hmm,

And it's so great that PACER, here, like has so many unlimited resources.

Yeah.

For parents, teachers, and students. So, that kids feel like they don't have to be alone.

Yeah. Absolutely. That's great advice. What you were saying, that bullying can be a really traumatic experience for kids, what advice would you give to parents if their child does share with them that they're experiencing bullying?

I would say, well, when I was being bullied it took me a really long time to, well, talk to my parents.

Yeah.

About the situation. And what was really helpful is that when I finally opened up, they gave me a huge hug.

Yeah.

And I immediately felt validated and heard. And so, I think for a parent to do that, and to also, you know, really listen.

Yeah.

To their kid. Because it's such a difficult topic for someone to say. And to have your parent validate that they're here.

And so, my last question is, what does the National Bullying Prevention Center mean to you?

Well, this organization means everything to me. I mean, since I've been a part of it, I've really felt like I'm part of a family, here.

Yeah.

And I'm just so blown away and impressed by all of the amazing work done here. And really helping thousands of kids across the country, you know, not only with bullying prevention, but helping kids to recognize their self-worth.

Yeah.

And their confidence. Which, these are fundamental skills that they'll take with them for the rest of their life.

Yeah. Absolutely. And thanks to you, for all that you do. You're really making.

Oh, thank you.

A huge impact in schools and communities by sharing your story and your message. So, we so appreciate you, and thanks for being here, today.

Thank you for having me.

Join us right back here, next week, as we talk about the basics of bullying. And remember, when we all stand together, no one stands alone. See ya!

Bye!