Hey Darren, your presentation at Barsby the other day was awesome. I thought it was gonna be another boring presentation about Internet Safety and cyber bullying, but you made it rad. I think its pree awesome what you do, so... thank you!!
Zoe P (High School Student)
John Barsby Community School
Hi Darren…..Your Internet presentation was, quite literally, the best assembly I ever had the pleasure of listening to. I think it's going to stick in our minds for a long time.
Krissy H (High School Student)
John Barsby Community School
Hi Darren and Beth,
Thank you so much for your two Internet presentations yesterday. The feedback I have received from students, staff and parents has been incredible. I will be sharing this information with our other principals. Please let me know if you need a ‘plug’ from a principal. I would be happy to speak about your presentation with any interested folks.
Thanks again Darren and Beth,
Deb Whitten
Principal
Monterey Middle School
Man, I loved your presentation at ESQ High. Keep doin' what you're doin', 'cause you're protecting a lot of people. When I heard we were going to see a presentation on internet safety I said "I already know everything; I'm not stupid." But wow, I certaintly didn't know everything. I'm really glad you came to our school. You were really funny and just plain awesome. And I also really like how you're so adamant on stopping cyber bullying and suicide. I'm the same way, honestly. But what really erks me is the people who commit suicide because of homophobia. ESQ's Gay/Straight Alliance and I have sent out numerous condolence letters to families because it really does affect us… Pardon my massive message, but really, you're doing awesome things and informing people on internet safety. Bravo to you and your wife! Keep it up, white hatter!
Dylan (High School Student)
Esquimalt High School
Hi, im from Claremont, and i saw your Internet presentation today. I just wanted you to know that you did a really good job, and thank you for taking the time to teach teens about this. Me and my friends defiantly benefited from it!
Nikki (High School Student)
Claremont High School
Hi ….. I'm a student at Claremont and I was able to watch your Internet presentation yesterday... I just wanted to say a huge thank you for opening my eyes to the importance of internet safety and cyber bullying. I really enjoyed your presentation!
Rachael (High School Student)
Claremont High School
Hi Darren!
You're Internet presentation completely blew me away! I feel so lucky to have been there to learn and listen in. What you do is amazing, and thank you.
Shayla. Z (High School Student)
Esquimalt High School
Hi Darren! I just wanted to say that your Internet presentation today at Esquimalt High School was absolutely amazing! It was extremely powerful and really opened my eyes to alot of things. You found a way to keep me interested for a 2 hour presentation and not have it boring at all and not many people can do that. I almost also started crying during the teen suicide part. It was very touching and made me want to do something to help the people who are affected by cyber bullying. I hope you continue on to open other students eyes about this because it opened mine for sure and I'm happy I learned more about the dangers and stuff. So thank you so much again
Emily (High School Student)
Esquimalt High School
The Internet presentation today was wonderful. Thank you for coming. I really liked how you tailored it so well to your audience (your diction, your manner which you talked with us), I think that it got through to a lot of people. On a personal note, cyberbullying is an issue really close to heart and so I always appreciate when people bring up awareness, especially for this as it is the new age and thus a new method of communication (or bullying in this case). Thanks again, and keep doing what you're doing.
Quinn (High School Student)
Esquimalt High School
Thank you so much for the Internet presentation at my school today. I really learned a lot about internet and text safety. I know people who have gone through cyber bullying and sext spreading and know i know how bad it is. i will be a lot more carefull what i post online now!
Thanx!!!
Bryn M (High School Student)
Claremont High School
Today the whole grade 10 class was given a internet safety talk. This was probably the most interesting talk i have ever listened to. Like a lot of students when i first heard from the teachers it was a talk on cyber bullying i was like oh whatever we have listened to these since we were in grade 5... this was completely different. I don't think any person could walk away from it without a changed perspective. We all walked out of there in awe. All of my friends and I have combed through our friends making sure we knew all of them. Thank you for coming to our school today
Cailyn W. (High School Student)
Esquimalt High School
I want to thank Darren and his team for coming to the school where I was subbing at. I was blown away with how professional their presentation was but also how much the presentation impacted me and my students. I believe it is necessary for ALL students to understand the impact the Internet has on our lives, but also the dangers that it can create. Creating awareness is challenging for certain topics. But Darren NAILED the presentation and really made you think about your actions with the Internet. It is inevitable that all of our students will be impacted by their Internet use. Darren's goal is to ensure that the interactions are safe and positive. Thank you for making me think about my Internet use and teaching me ways to protect myself and helping my students do the same.
Amber Wauthy
Jr High Teacher
My students were certainly buzzing after your presentation and I heard from many students that this was the "the best assembly we've been to". I was expecting nothing less, after seeing you two years agao at Glanford, and wasn't disappointed ! I was particularly impressed to see how you had updated your presentation to include current issues surrounding "sexting" and "Omegle". In preparation for your presentation, we had done an anonymous survey in my class, that indicated that out of a class of 29 grade 7 students, at leat 4 were already experimenting with Omegle and a number said that they had gone to meet people that they had met online. It made a profound impression on my students when you commented on both issues so powerfully. At Central, we have talked about hosting your presentation once every two years to ensure that every student that goes through the school gets the information at least once. I have also talked up your presentation with staff from other schools. While I know of some teachers and administrators that are doing an admirable job of intervening when conflicts involving cyber-bullying and sexting come up, it seems to me that schools are not yet very well equipped to deal with the preventative side of online safety that your program covers so very well. Thanks again for offering such an important and powerful service to Central and I'll look forward to seeing your presentation again in the future !
Sean Welby
Centrl Middle School
My name is Andy Olsen and I am the chairman of the technology committee at Shawnigan Lake School and currently doing my Masters in Educational Technology. I just wanted to lend my support for the Internet presentation as it has been one of the most valuable things our students have been part of this year. In my studies, it has become apparent that the education of our students in becoming better technology citizens has got to become a priority for schools. While some of this can be done by staff members within your school community, it was even more powerful coming from a member of law enforcement who knows all of the intricacies of how students are conducting themselves online. We felt the need to have Darren come not only for our students, but also for our staff and parent association. We will be having them back again next September when our new students arrive.
Andy Olson
Shawnigan Lake School
The presentation you gave at our school today was an amazing experience. Not only did you educate the students, teachers, and administrators on Internet safety, but you were also very engaging. To be able to hold the interest of 600+ students for a full TWO HOURS was admirable. I believe you did so as your message is so relevant and important to our everyday lives. When you announced how you had social engineered our student base you had our students hooked to your message. Our students realized how exposed they have left themselves. I'm convinced that your words and videos about cyber bullying will save many people undeserved pain. I wish every school in our country would have the pleasure of your presentation. The message is one all students, parents and educators should hear. You moved my students and me Profoundly.
Chantelle Huynh (High School Teacher)
Hi, today you gave my school an Internet safety talk, and I would like to say that it was very great information. I have been a victim of cyber bullying and every now and then it still happens to me. I let my parents know, but now I know how to deal with it because of you. Thanks for the talk that you gave to us.
Lauren M (Jr High School student)
I would just like to say thank you for coming to our highshool yeterday, your Internet presentation was absolutely fantastic! I have been keeping an eye on my friends Facebooks, and they are all saying that they loved your presentation, and that they had all changed thier privacy settings as you suggested. What you shared with us was truly an eye opener, and I think that is exactly what our highschool needed. I hope you continue to come back in the years to come, as it was truly a wonderful thing that you do !!!!!!
Megan N (Sr High School student)
Thank you so much for coming to NDSS today, it was a real eye opner, I never knew how much I was being watched while in Facebook. I have always been careful with what I do on-line, but now I am even more aware. The presentation that you do is so incredibly interesting and I am so glad you are bringing awareness to the highschools. Thanks again.
Natasha K (Sr High School student)
Thank you so much for the Internet presentation at our school today. No one could have gotten that point across better. I think that it was a real eye opener to a lot of my fellow students. Thanks again.
Matthew B (Jr High School Student)
Hi, you spoke at my school earlier this week and I just wanted to say thank you. I haven't had any personal experiences with most of the things you talked about but it still touched me, and I needed you to know that.
Tori R (Sr High School student)
I go to shoreline and I saw your presentaiton today. I want to say thank you. I have been cyber bullied before and today's presentation was inspiring. THANK YOU !!!!!!!!
Georgia (Jr High school student)
Hi, I go to Dunsmuir and I thought that your presentaion on Internet safety yesterday was phenominal !!!!!! It moved me so much as I have been personally cyber bullied. I just wanted to say "great job yesterday"
Kaeleigh G (Jr High school student)
Hello, just wanted to say thank you for your Internet safety presentation. It has been quite the topic in our school and in our house since your presentation. It is my hope that you continue with your message. I sent our principal of our school a note saying how effective your presentation was. Please follow-up with other schools.
Spencer B (Jr High school student)
Hello you were at my school today and i just wanted to say how much you have inspired me to take all these cautions and see what people are like now a days, basically I just wanted to say you did an amazing job today at our school !!!!!!!
Hunter L (Jr High school student)
We had a great supper-time conversation about your Internet presentation last night; it was really impactful. Teenagers are a difficult demographic to engage with so the fact that your were able to get through speaks volumes about your skills and eperieince. Thank you for the excellent work you and Beth do.
An appreciative parent
Hello Darren and Beth
Here is an email I received today from a parent. This is just one example of the phenomenal feedbacks that we have been receiving from kids, staff and parents. Thank you !!!!!
All The Best
Jill Bailey
School District 68
I had a wonderful conversation with my daughters yesterday who were simply "lit up" about the Facebook safety learning session at their school. I wanted to pass on this feedback as it sounded like the school assembly accomplished its purpose; 1) they had a two hour learning experience that captured their attention for the entirety of the session, my daughter even said she kept looking at the clock and wishing it would slow down (fantastic!); 2) my girls actually came home and immediately made the changes to their Facebook accounts that Darren suggested. (I had been asking them for months to ensure they were using Facebook safely)
Darren was able to get the Safety message across in such a way that it was truly meaningful to the students and wasn't simply more adult rhetoric tha normally gets waived off. I was thoroughly impressed by what I heard, and honestly believe this session has ensured better safety for the students who attended. So from my husband and from me.....thank you! I hope you will be able to share this Darren who was the presenter.
Kind Regards
Sarah Kowalenko (Parent)
Hi Darren:
I am a reality based self defence instructor here in New Zealand.
I just wanted to say that your sebsite is brilliant and I applaud you for sharing your thoughts, opinions, experiences and research. Having been a martial artist who crosses trained in BJJ and then went onto opening my mind and seeing the flaws of my own training, I am glad that we have likeminded people like yourslef to converse with. Many of the names you have listed as having influenced your own work I too have studied their martial ideas.
Once again, thaks for allowing "free" access to the material you have posted on your site. People's lives will be saved as a result I have no doubt.
Shaun Nicholson
Your Internet safety seminar for students was honestly the best presentation I've ever been to. Thanks so much for coming to our school, and you made it really interesting too! I was engrossed in every bit of your presentation and just to let you know, I'll keep an eye out for cyberbullying because I agree it's not right. It was terrible seeing those my age who had resorted to ending their lives and we can't let it come to that. Thanks again, you were GREAT !!!!!
Julia T (Ladysmith Secondary School grade 11 student)
Hi Darren. Thank you again for sharing such useful information with all of the St Joseph School families. Our Children practised their "temper tantrums" this morning (because we asked them). I also overheard them roleplaying in free play yesterday a scene where someone asked for their parent's full name and they refused. Obviously your workshop made an impact...........
Dr. Tamara E Goranson, R. Psych.
The Time spent in this course may have been the most
valuable 3 hours of my life. Thank you for arranging this for us.
Darren's expertise and style made this one of the most engaging
presentations I've attended. His keep real approach was so very
refreshing. He did not pretty up the ugly subject matter and I
personally appreciated that. The Be Aware theme could not have been
made more clear, which shows its importance. The things I learned to do
if I ever find myself in a situation, will stick with me but I hope I
never need to use them.
Jennifer McGarvie, Ministry Worker
On health and wellness day, two of the many guest speakers were Darren Laur and his wife, Beth Laur. Darren is a police officer for the Victoria Police, and also teaches classes on personal and internet safety. They travel around to various schools and work places teaching classes on how to avoid dangerous situations. The vision of Darren and Beth is to "promote awareness and safety and to excel in everything we do as a company." They have both written many books on personal safety such as: Enlighten Not Frighten, Total Awareness: A Woman’s Safety Book, and Internet Safety 101. These two people are making a huge difference around British Columbia among youths and adults. Darren talked about what to do if you ever get in a situation where you are being threatened, or someone is trying to get something from you. Some things that people do unconsciously that make them more vulnerable victims are: walking with your head down, losing eye contact with people who approach you, listening to music and reading or texting while walking. Strategies to ensure that you won't be a victim could be walking confidently with your head up, checking your surroundings constantly making brief eye contact with everyone, stop and lean against a building if you have to text, and listening to your music with only one headphone in. Many of the reasons that some people become victims of harsh crimes are because they are too embarrassed to do what they are suppose to. A tip that Darren gave us was that if you are wearing a long skirt, or long jacket and are being threatened then lift it up high and run, many people don’t do that because they are too embarrassed. Listening to this speaker helped many of us to consider our actions so that we don't become the future victims of street crimes.
Meghan B., grade 12, Strathcona House, Shawnigan Lake School
“I attended the Wishart School “Safe Kids for Parents” seminar and I would like to say how much I appreciated the information that you taught us. I feel much more empowered and confident that I can teach my sons how to stay safe, which in turn will empower my boys to feel confident to handle themselves in a variety of situations: be it with an adult predator or with the day to day peer pressure I know they will encounter.”
Sincerely, Sarah Melanson
“I just wanted to say thank you very much for the
wonderful presentation (Verbal and Physical Management of Aggressive and
Violent Behaviour in the Workplace) last night. All the staff who
attended were very happy with the content and the way in which it was
presented. I believe it appealed to them because it was REAL!!!!! I
cannot emphasize that enough. We have had many instructors come through
the Hotel, but Darren brought both practicality and humour to a topic
that we have not seen before. Thank you again, and we will be scheduling
another presentation sooner rather than later! I will also recommend
this to all my HR contacts in other Hotels.”
Christina Tarr
HR Manager/Executive Administrato Harbour Towers Hotel & Suites
“I wanted to say thank you for the seminar (Safe Kids For Parents) that you held at Lakewood Elementary last evening. I was impressed and enlightened. Before I knew it 2 hours was up and it was time to go. What an amazingly talented speaker. Thank you, I learned alot. We’ll be back.”
Lorelee (Lore) Cumberbatc
Learning Support Associate
School of Leadership
Royal Roads University
“I had the privilege of attending the personal safety seminar at St. Anne’s last week, therefore I won’t need to register for an upcoming session.
That said, I would like to take this opportunity to provide a little feedback.
Darren Laur did not ask us to complete an evaluation form, however, in my judgement this was one of the most dynamic and engaging training sessions I have ever attended. As an award-winning public speaker with decades of experience before an audience, I was extremely impressed by Darren’s knowledge of his subject, passion for his message, and considerable talent for presentation - notwithstanding the highly sensitive and controversial nature of the material.
In short: I laughed, I cried, and most importantly, I learned. (Thank you Darren.)”
Tamara Malczewska
“I really enjoyed the seminar on Thursday night. The info was relevant and very informative. I was a little concerned going into the seminar that it was going to be dry and boring but not the case at all. Darren had my attention the entire 3 hours. I am glad that I decided to go at the last minute. Thanks to you Darren!”
Tracey Berends
“All of the Youth Center staff attended including both Programmers and Area Programmer which demonstrated a belief in the importance of the training, We all found the topics relevant, the responses realistic and the tools useful and pertinent beyond any other “security” training we have had. Darren was informative while being real, entertaining and anecdotal. His presence and delivery embodied everything he was telling us which made the time fly in a productive way.”
Gaileen Flaman
“Darren was awesome. He is a terrific speaker and presenter. The information he presented was very interesting and gave us good knowledge. Thank you very much for organizing this seminar.”
Diane Bowers
“I loved the session. Full of energy, humor, great stories and awesome/useful information.
Darren was not only informative, but very entertaining. Now, I just need to practice!
Thanks for setting this up for us.”
Sarah Gallsworthy
Recreation Programmer
Child, Family and Special Events
“Darren was great, and all my staff said so.”
Judy Roger
Programmer - Fitness, Health & Wellness
Cedar Hill Recreation Centre
“I was really impressed with Darren’s talk on personal protection. It gave me lots of good information - things to look out for , etc. He made it very interesting with the examples he gave of everyday life and people and the problems they have encountered. I would recommend it to anyone!”
Debbie Gordon
“I thought it was an awesome seminar. He was very clear and easy to understand as well as entertaining. It’s just too bad some of our staff missed it.”
Lisa Hackwell
“I thought Darren did a great job in presenting. I enjoyed that he didn’t sugar coat anything and appreciate his frankness. I thought the material covered would be helpful for all community members, not just those who deal with the public. I’ll be talking to our summer hiring committee to see if his presentation would be suitable for our summer staff.
Thanks again for hosting and bringing Daren’s presentation to us. It’s a shame that more front line staff weren’t there especially Facility Attendants.”
Sadeep Kera
Community Recreation Programmer
Community Services
Saanich Recreation Services
“Darren’s knowledge of combatives is refreshing and cuts like a laser beam through all the clutter that is now labeled Reality Based Training. He doesn’t sugar coat the ugly truth of violence in the real world. He is constantly learning new innovations and techniques. His training encompasses not only the physical aspects of self protection, but the psychological reasons for them as well. A true innovator in the field.” Ari Bolden-Jujitsu Instructor and Security Professional
“…the course provided value for the time and money I invested in it. I’m confident that the techniques that we learned would be very effective in protecting myself or my loved ones from physical attack…I highly recommend this training to anyone who is serious about being able to protect themselves from a street attack.”
Gary Koett
“The education and training you gave us was empowering and invaluable.”
Victoria Plaza Hotel Staff
“I just wanted to take a moment to acknowledge Cst. Darren Laur for his participation in the CHECK TV segments regarding safety on the streets and child safety. I think he did extremely well in getting a very important message across to tv viewers…I have no doubts that [his] frank discussions will make people aware of the safety issues discussed and perhaps make people think twice.”
Mayor Bob Cross (1996) Victoria BC
“My background is Wing Chun…I do recognize that your course is a superior one. You both are empowering to women through example. I would recommend you to anyone who is thinking about taking such a course.”
Cindy Polutnik
“I took part in the all day FIGHT BACK seminar. I found the workshop extremely useful and empowering…I also wanted to acknowledge the effectiveness of your husband and wife approach.As a woman, I felt encouraged by your resourcefulness and skill. I know that I too can learn effective techniques to protect myself. And even better, I saw them demonstrated.”
Elaine Weidner
“This a just a short note to thank you for the Personal Safety and Management of Aggressive Behaviour in the Workplace seminar you gave.We picked up many important principles to keep in mind to ensure the safety of both out staff and the clients we deal with. [It] should be an essential requirement for anyone who works close contact with the public sector.”
Lynn Cummings, Victoria Hospice Program
“I took his tactical handcuffing and searching seminar when I received my Corrections Officer certification. I’ve been in the security field for 10 years and taken dozens of programs. However, Darren’s course was head and shoulders above them all. He REALLY does know of what he speaks.”
Steven Bydon-Security Professional
“Thanks you for a big shot of reality and the tools to fight back! I can’t thank you enough.”
Jackie
“The seminar that 10 of us women took through your company was absolutely awesome! All of the participants felt the day long course was invaluable. We cannot imagine why we had not done it sooner.As a mother, I could not have spent a more worthwhile day with my 18 year old daughter. I firmly believe that her awareness, confidence and level of understanding has risen to new heights.
“We want to compliment both of you on the professional manner in which you handled yourselves throughout the day. We were impressed by the passion you have for the subject of personal safety.”
Darren, the way you presented the material was clear and easy to understand for all age levels…The hands on practice was VERY realistic without causing undo worry for the participants. You both gave positive feedback to everyone in the group which boosted our confidence in handling ourselves.”
Cathy McKenzie
“The information Darren presented on keeping our kids safe was well received by our staff and we heard many positive comments regarding your presentation and excellent speaking style.”
Kym Bennent: Superannuation Commission
“Just a short note with a big THANK YOU from all of us at lady fitness. Total Awareness is something everyone needs to know but usually do not go through the measures to learn. We highly recommend Personal Protection Systems to all our members.”
Sandra Clark: Lady Fitness
“I think what you are both doing is so incredible and I think every woman (and even men) should take this program. Before I toook this program, I would have panicked and not had a clue how to get out of the situation. Now I know I would have the brians, and survival skills … to get me out of any situations.”
Pam Saddler
