Twin Events Tackle Bullying and Risky Behavior

Retro Bill talks to a rapt audience at Crossbridge Church Key Biscayne, Oct. 22. Two events tackled bullying and the risks for today’s teens this week. (Key News/Briana Gibbs)

By BRIANA GIBBS and ANNALI HAYWARD

Positive messages abounded last week for Key Biscayne’s children, teenagers and parents alike. Two events delivered specific strategies and advice to help promote kindness, self-esteem and resistance to risky behaviors.

First, beloved children’s entertainer and motivational speaker Retro Bill brought his unique blend of wit, wisdom and humor to a rapt audience at Crossbridge Church Oct. 22. 

Telling children to “shine bright” and stay positive when someone tries to “change your channel,” Retro Bill gave families tools and affirmations to counter bullying together. 

Next, the Key Biscayne Fire-Rescue Department introduced their new Community Risk Reduction Manager Marie Gumá in an open forum Oct. 23. Gumá, a clinical psychologist, will be hosting a new series of Teen Talks, a program that helps facilitate “living-room” conversations between teenagers and parents about drugs, alcohol and depression. 

Marie Gumá introduces herself to Key Biscayners as the new Community Risk Reduction Manager for KBFR, Council Chambers, Oct. 23. (Key News/Briana Gibbs)

Organizers from Kindness in the Schools received RSVPs for 130 people for Retro Bill – at which point they switched last minute to a bigger venue – but estimated around 200 came, with children sitting on the floor at the foot of the stage. 

“It’s our biggest event yet,” said one of the founders of Kindness in the Schools, Laudy Ibarra.

In this, his 21st year as a D.A.R.E (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) Safety and Self Esteem Buddy, Retro Bill also spoke at MAST Academy, the Key Biscayne K-8 Center, St. Agnes Academy and St. Christopher’s-by-the-Sea Montessori School during the same week. 

Mother Mariena Bastos said she came with her children, aged between eight and 12, “because my kids have seen Retro Bill and they raved about him.” 

Milly Gasso, whose 8-year-old daughter was also in attendance, said “bullying is an epidemic and we are here to stop it.” 

Some of the strategies Retro Bill highlighted were to tell a trusted adult, who can help take on some of the “weight of your problem,” and to try to defuse situations with humor – something he learned as a child.

“I was bullied as a kid,” he said later. “I knew I wanted to grow up and talk to kids about it, and tell them it’s safe to tell adults.”

Retro Bill’s colorful set – visible in YouTube videos – also drove home messages to parents like ensuring they have a “window” into their children’s lives, including online by knowing the websites and passwords their children are using. 

Over at the fire station, Gumá heard from attendees about the pressing issues facing teenagers in the community – including drugs, alcohol, vaping and risk-taking behavior. “Education is critical when it comes to substance use,” said Gumá.

Teen Talks have already involved 250 families on Key Biscayne since their inception in 2016. They typically involve gathering in a large room with both teenagers and their families present at first for a group discussion, and then splitting up for private discussions on the topic. 

Adults discuss the warning signs and how to talk to their teenagers about the issues. 

Key Biscayne Fire-Rescue Chief Eric Lang, who started the initiative after seeing a rise in calls for these issues during and up to 2015, said in addressing this problem “we have to find a way to never give up hope.”

To begin with, there will be one Teen Talk per month and a speaker series, but Gumá said there could also be a retreat for families that have participated to go on a self-esteem-building exercise at the Florida International University high ropes course.