In this episode of Transitions of Hope, Maryann Roefaro welcomes longtime friend, writer, educator, therapist, and coach Lisa Cavallaro for an important conversation about bullying, emotional resilience, social media, and helping young people separate the behavior of others from their own self-worth. Lisa shares the deeply personal experiences that inspired her young adult novel, The Mean Page, and the creation of Bully Spin, a classroom-based program designed to help students better understand bullying, peer pressure, online behavior, and the meaning they assign to difficult situations. Rather than placing a child’s sense of safety entirely in the hands of someone else’s behavior, Lisa’s approach helps young people recognize their own power, pause before reacting, and respond with greater awareness and intention. Together, Maryann and Lisa explore how bullying extends far beyond the schoolyard. They discuss anonymous social media pages, misinformation, adult role models, workplace bullies, emotional contagion, and the unresolved pain that often drives people to hurt others. They also reflect on how children absorb what they witness and why adults must model the self-control, kindness, courage, and accountability they hope to see in the next generation. At the heart of this episode is a powerful message about resilience. Lisa explains that while we may not be able to eliminate every unkind word or harmful person, we can give children the tools to question the meaning they attach to those experiences. By slowing down, considering other possibilities, and understanding that another person’s behavior does not define their value, young people can begin to move through life with greater confidence and emotional strength. This episode is an invitation for parents, educators, leaders, and anyone who works with young people to begin more thoughtful conversations about bullying, peer pressure, self-worth, and the small acts of courage that can help someone feel seen, supported, and less alone. To learn more about Lisa’s work, The Mean Page, and the Bully Spin program, visit Bully Spin Education. If you’d like to send Maryann a note the old-fashioned way, you can write to: Maryann Roefaro, PO Box 2, Camillus, NY 13031