Have You Seen Bully? It's Time to Take a Stand Against Bullying!

Bully is a powerful and disturbing documentary.

Since I am an avid spokesperson for bullying prevention, Alliance Films became aware of my volunteer work and invited me to lend my voice in support of Lee Hirsch's recently released documentary, Bully.

I had the honour of hosting the Vancouver premiere of the award-winning film and introducing the film's partner organization, Kids Help Phone.

It was heartwarming to see so many people come out to support the film. Student representatives from Free The Children's Me To We, Youthink magazine and New Westminster Secondary's Rock Solid program attended the screening and will be helping to spread its message.

Bully is a powerful and disturbing documentary. Many of the viewers at the premiere were visibly moved. After the screening, some audience members remained seated, obviously shaken by what they had seen. I noticed a middle-aged couple that had stayed behind in the theatre long after the screening. The man had been crying and his wife was consoling him. I couldn't help but wonder if they had lost a child to suicide due to bullying.

It is my hope that every school will show this film to the entire student population at the start of each school year. Bully doesn't supply the answer to ending bullying, but it depicts the effects of bullying on its victims and their families. It is a catalyst for opening up some serious dialogue on the dangers and consequences of bullying. The documentary should be seen by every student, parent and teacher!

Bully is currently showing in select cities across Canada.

Bully rating update: After a nationwide petition and public protests in the US, the Motion Pictures Association of America finally agreed to give the documentary a PG rating. The MPAA had originally granted the film an R rating because the film contains profane language. This sparked a huge public outcry as the restricted rating prevented youth from seeing the film, the very demographic for which it was intended.