Bully

Bully

I resisted going to see this film. I was in education for over 30 years and always stated that bullying was the greatest problem in education. It is such a painful topic. I’m glad I sat quietly in the VIP section because at least I was in a comfy chair and nobody could hear the sniffling and see the red eyes. The problem with this type of documentary is that those who would really benefit from viewing the film would never go.
We meet several families and hear the trying and upsetting experiences faced by their children. It made me feel ill. The parents seemed to be caring and loving people but were helpless in the situation.
We see photos of one young child. He was his parents pride and joy. The early videos show a happy family. As the child grew he became a loner and didn’t participate in any activities. The father stated that he knew that his child would be victimized. That is an understatement. The child eventually took his own life at 17.
The incidents happen in all states. Tyler lived in Oklahoma. He was constantly bullied. Of course the parents suffered watching the pain. The school did nothing. I became enraged listening to the teachers, principals and superintendents claiming that kids are just playing around. They did not respond to the pleas of the parents.
Alex plays a prominent role in the film. He was constantly called ‘fishface.’ Even his parents acknowledged that he was different. He was harassed on the bus. He was poked, punched and pushed into walls.
Kelby was a lesbian. She was not welcome in her church, school or community. The parents were ostracized. They refused to move because that would be giving into the bullies. This was in the bible belt of Oklahoma. It was stated that someone different is always put down.
Every portrayed incident left me numb. It was the same everywhere. The school authorities did nothing. Even when the parents organized a meeting, after their son committed suicide, the school officials did not attend.
I recall when we started ‘anti Bullying Programs in the schools. I hope it helped somewhat. These school areas were so behind the times.
It has to start with parents being an advocate for their child. The school needs to address the issue. Both the bully and the victim need to acquire skills to face the situation. Too many young children have committed suicide because they could not go on. Others suffer in silence. It is not acceptable.
I felt the film could have presented some ideas for programs to address the issue.
I came away devastated. This film should be shown in every school everywhere. This is a global problem.
Congratulations to the filmmakers for daring to begin a dialog on this serious issue. The problem is that it probably will not be viewed in schools with discussion and at parent teacher meetings with professional staff on hand.
I am truly haunted by this film.
At the end of the film it is written that everything starts with one person. Stop the bullying by speaking up. Bullying can occur in a variety of ways. Verbal and physical abuse must be stopped at every level.