The film starts with the Long family as they cope with the loss of their eldest son who committed suicide after being bullying. It then focuses on how three teen and pre-teen students are dealing with their current bullies at school. While some try to ignore others are forced to either relocate or take extreme measures. One student takes a gun to school and although no shots were fired had to go to trail with around 40 counts of kidnap and attempted assault. I know kids were mean but they didn't even seem to care about the fact there were cameras around documenting them as they continue to punch, choke, and even tell others they were going to kill them. I guess things have gotten worse since I was a kid.
The movie wraps up nicely with an organization that was started by the parents of Tyler Smalley, an 11 year old who also committed suicide. The group spread around the country in order to warn and prevent bullying in school systems.
The documentary was shot extremely well and had moments with some pretty incredible young people. One that really caught my attention was Tyler Smalley's best friend, who talked about how he use to be a bully back in the day (1st and 2nd grade) in order to be popular. But as he matured (3rd grade) he realized that he didn't want to make people feel bad and it really served no person, so then just went to being friends with everyone. If he realized this so early then why are teenagers so dumb. Ughh. They really are the worst aren't they?
Rating: ****
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