Danny Steehouwer for Schools

1 hour

NL

Danny Steehouwer is a young man in his mid-30s (2026) who published his second book, titled *Droomjongen*, in 2024.

A true story (about Danny’s life)—a boy who, as a student at a vocational school for special education, is trying to find his way in a tough world. His goal is to be admitted to a vocational program (MBO). He is determined to make those dreams come true. At school, they think this is arrogant and strange. Teachers constantly tell Samuel that a sheltered workshop is the best he can hope for. His classmates start bullying him. It gets worse and worse, until the worst bully even threatens to kill him. But he still won’t give up on his dreams: he must and will prove that he is more talented than anyone thinks.

Recent research shows that more than 40% of high school students and approximately 10% to 19% of elementary school students in the Netherlands have experienced bullying. This ranges from exclusion and harassment to online bullying.

High Schools (Secondary Education): According to a nationwide survey of students (including polls conducted by LAKS), as many as over 40% report having been bullied in recent months. This amounts to about 1 to 2 students per class who experience this on a daily or weekly basis.
Elementary schools (primary education): It is estimated that 1 in 10 to 19% of children say they are bullied sometimes to often. That averages out to 2 to 4 children per class.

1. The difference between teasing and bullying
- The line between them: Teasing is occasional, funny for both parties, and involves an equal balance of power.
- Bullying: Bullying is systematic, intentionally hurtful, and involves an unequal balance of power.
- The impact: Make it clear that “it was just a joke” does not take away the pain for the victim.

2. Roles in the classroom (group dynamics):
- The bully and the victim: These are the two most visible roles, but they cannot act alone.
- The bystanders and encouragers: Students who laugh or watch, which unconsciously rewards and encourages the bully.
- The bystanders: Those who see it happening but remain silent out of fear of becoming the next target themselves.
- The defenders: The heroes who actively stand up for the victim or seek help from an adult.

3. Cyberbullying (the invisible impact)
- 24/7 access: In the past, bullying stopped when the school bell rang; now it continues at home via social media and WhatsApp groups.
- Anonymity: Online, children dare to be much harsher because they don’t see the other person’s immediate emotional reaction or tears.
- Lasting damage: Screenshots, mean videos, or private photos spread like wildfire and are nearly impossible to completely erase.

4. What can you do? (Taking Action)
- Break the silence: Explain that talking to a teacher, parent, or trusted adult isn’t “tattling,” but helping someone.
- The power of the group: If the silent majority speaks out against the bully, the bullying usually stops immediately.
- Anonymous helplines: Explicitly point students toward platforms such as De Kindertelefoon or Meld Knop if they don’t feel comfortable approaching someone at school.

5. Empathy and the Long-Term Consequences
- Invisible scars: Discuss how bullying leads to fear of failure, depression, loneliness, and low self-esteem—sometimes well into adulthood.
- The story behind the bully: Briefly mention that bullies are often insecure themselves or are experiencing problems at home, without using this to excuse their behavior.

CONDITIONS:
- Travel expenses will not be reimbursed, but public transportation costs will be covered
- A changing room is nice to have, but not required
- Snacks and drinks are appreciated
- For bookings, it would be appreciated if the booking agency representing Danny Steehouwer could receive photos afterward.
- Requests can be made in both the Netherlands and Flanders.
- Requests from elementary schools, high schools, universities, and colleges are accepted. No distinction is made between religious and non-religious schools, nor between schools with or without a majority of students of color.
- For every 50 euros from a booking, a donation will be made to Pesten op de Werkvloer.

Tags: lecture, book presentation, book signing, bullying, victim, expert by experience, education, resilience, assertiveness, self-confidence, guest speaker, presenter, discrimination, social safety, neurodiversity, Anti-Bullying Week. Bullying in the Workplace, Stop Bullying Now, elementary school, high school, university, college

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