We had an active shooter event tonight in Australia, when at least 2 shooters opened fire on a Jewish festival at Australia's most famous beach. Currently 10 dead. Footage is coming through and this video shows someone doing exactly what we train and talked about on the recent Active Shooter zoom call. TAKE OUT the attacker, coming from outside their 10&2. Right now I don't have details of what happened next, but it's a reminder that what we teach is applicable. I'll post more over the coming days...

When something shocking or tragic happens in the news, our immediate reaction is often to look away. Many people feel uneasy discussing events that are still fresh, especially when they involve violence, accidents, or crises. It can feel too soon, too raw, or too personal. But talking about these incidents, even while they’re still in the headlines, is not only okay, it can actually be really helpful. One of the most important reasons to discuss recent incidents is emotional processing. When something dramatic or frightening occurs, it can trigger feelings of fear, anger, sadness, or confusion. Holding those feelings in can make them fester. Speaking about them, whether with friends, family, colleagues, or in a guided environment like a support group, allows people to unpack their emotions in a safe way. Verbalising what we see and feel helps our brains process the event more fully, reducing anxiety and stress. Fresh news can leave many people feeling isolated. We may think, “I’m the only one feeling scared,” or “I shouldn’t react this way.” Discussing incidents openly reminds us that our reactions are human and normal. It fosters a sense of connection and solidarity. Even brief conversations about shared concerns can create an environment where people feel seen and supported, which is essential in times of uncertainty. Talking about incidents can also serve a practical purpose: it can help others learn and prepare. For example, discussing a recent accident or security breach may highlight safety lessons or preventive measures. While the conversation should never sensationalise trauma, sharing factual and thoughtful insights helps communities respond more effectively and can even prevent future harm. Society often teaches us to avoid talking about hard things until they “pass,” but this can create stigma around natural emotional reactions. By having conversations about incidents, even those tragedies very recently in the news, we normalise discussing difficult topics and validate the emotions that come with them. Over time, this strengthens emotional resilience and encourages healthier coping mechanisms.

Today, I found a little surprise waiting for me on my car windscreen. A random note with a kind message. It came completely out of the blue, from a mystery neighbour, and honestly, it made my day. It also reminded me how powerful small, thoughtful gestures can be. Something as simple as a kind word, a note, or a smile has the ability to lift someone’s mood and make them feel seen. In a world that often feels rushed or disconnected, these tiny acts of kindness are like little sparks of light. Imagine if more of us took a few minutes to do something unexpectedly nice for someone else. No reason, no agenda, just because. I think we’d all be a little happier, and the world would feel a little softer. So here’s my thought for today. Reach out, say something kind, leave a note, pay a compliment. You never know whose day you might make, and sometimes, it’s the little things that matter most. Who else has experienced a random act of kindness that totally made their day? I’d love to hear your stories

Welcome aboard. I'm excited to have you here. You'll find the courses in the classroom section https://www.skool.com/family-safety-and-protection-8160/classroom Our premium courses are all available when you become a premium member. (Just $10 a month). These include Adult safety, Bullying, Grooming/Child abuse, Teen Safety. Feel free to ask any questions in the questions section https://www.skool.com/family-safety-and-protection-8160?c=86b3af611d5d44c19e14e6adb1b1aef9&s=newest-cm&fl= I'm looking forward to empowering a fantastic community of parents and families. -Glenn Terms and Conditions Educational Purposes Only: The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, the content provided should not be a substitute for professional instruction. Personal Responsibility: Engaging in self-defense techniques carries inherent risks, and by accessing our tutorials and resources, you acknowledge and accept full responsibility for your actions. It is essential to practice caution and use common sense when applying self-defense techniques in real-life situations. Physical Limitations: Not all self-defense techniques are suitable for everyone. Each individual has unique physical abilities and limitations, and it is crucial to recognize and respect these differences. Consult with a qualified professional if you have any concerns about your physical fitness or ability to perform specific techniques. Legal Considerations: Self-defense laws vary by jurisdiction, and it is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the laws and regulations governing self-defense in your area. The techniques and strategies discussed on this website are not intended to encourage or promote violence but rather to empower individuals to protect themselves within the confines of the law.

When we talk about teens making better choices, we often jump straight to the decisions themselves. “Why did you do that?” or “What were you thinking?” But real decision-making starts long before the choice. It starts with habits, values, and the ability to slow themselves down in the moment. So we need to teach them something that can help with that. A good decision-making framework for teens doesn’t have to be fancy. What they really need is something simple that allows them to take a breath,, gets them thinking, and helps them make choices they won’t regret later. A streamlined framework teaches teens to slow down, think clearly, and act with intention. Here’s the version I like to teach: 1. Pause and Reflect Get them in the habit of taking a breath before they act, especially when they’re stressed, pressured, annoyed or unsure. That tiny pause is often the difference between a smart choice and a messy one. 2. Know Your Values Help them figure out what actually matters to them. Honesty, respect, kindness, loyalty? Whatever their core values are, those become their compass. If a decision goes against their values, it’s usually a sign to rethink it. 3. Look at Your Options Instead of reacting with the first thing that pops into their head, encourage them to look at a few different ways they could handle the situation. “What else could I do?” is a powerful question. It helps them weigh each option against their values and long-term goals. 4. Think About the Consequences Short-term and long-term. How does this choice affect me? How does it affect someone else? Some outcomes show up right away. Others show up weeks or months later. Getting them to think that far ahead is huge. 5. Ask for Help When You Need It Normalise asking for help. There’s nothing wrong with checking in with a trusted adult, mentor, or friend. Sometimes they just need someone outside the situation to help them see things more clearly. A quick conversation can often reveal blind spots and broaden perspective.