Now playing exclusively on Amazon Prime from Global Digital Releasing is the documentary Bullied.
Teased, name called, assaulted, cyber-attacked, shamed, ridiculed, mocked, abused, tormented, punched, abandoned, victimized, scared, defeated, crushed… NO ONE should ever have to experience any of these things – EVER! Most especially a child or teenager.
As result of bullying, many young people feel they have no other choice but to end their lives. We’re talking children as young as 6, 7, 8 years old!
Decades ago, my then boyfriend’s nephew attempted suicide when he was only nine years old. He wasn’t being bullied at school, but rather it was his father who was doing the bullying. Thankfully he survived, but none the less, back then, it was almost unheard of for a child so young to try and take his/her own life.
I was bullied in school. I have always been overweight, so that made me an easy target for bullies. I was also shy and my mom made my clothes, so that put me even more on the bullies “radar.”
I never contemplated suicide when I was younger, but I did when I was in my early 20’s. My then boyfriend broke up with me in a horrible way. I felt completely crushed and worthless, and I tried to end my life. I actually ingested a lot of Tylenol. I ended up with A LOT of ringing in my ears that lasted for what seemed like an eternity, and an upset stomach. I’m glad that I didn’t do anything more serious (and more fatal).
Bullying today is even worse than it was back when I was younger. These days you have to factor in social media. That means the bullying does NOT end when a child comes home from school. They can be bullied 24/7, thanks to social media.
The documentary, Bullied, now playing on Amazon Prime, goes into depth about bullying, it’s causes and of course, it’s heart-breaking effects.
Here are some eye opening stats that I obtained from watching the film;
Let these statistics sink in for a moment or two…
People can be bullied for a variety of reasons… weight, height, physical “differences,” sexual orientation, economic background, skin color… you name it. There are MANY reasons why. Sometimes bullies just look for an easy target.
Bullies get off on making someone else feel less about themselves, and to make themselves seem more “powerful” and “better” than another person. They might also bully someone as a form of “revenge” (such as dating an ex-boyfriend/girlfriend). Others might bully someone because they are pressured by others to do so, and want to look “cool” in the eyes of others.
I work with children (K-5th grade). I have ZERO tolerance for bullying in any form with my “work kids.” Even someone calling someone else “stupid” or making a negative comment about how someone is dressed or their hair style is NOT permitted around me. The moment I see or hear one of my “work kids” doing anything that could be seen as bullying, or could lead to bullying, I “snip it in the bud” then and there. If need be, I take it to the parents.
Bullied features interviews with parents, educators, and experts in regards to suicide. It also features interviews with those who have attempted suicide, and thankfully, did not succeed. You’ll also learn more about those who attempted, and sadly, succeeded.
The hardest part about watching this film is seeing actual footage of children being beaten down by their tormentors, and worse yet, people standing by taking photos and videos without stepping in to stop it. As far as I’m concerned, standing by and not stopping the bullying makes you just as guilty as the person committing the crimes against another.
I would recommend this film for parents, teachers, and those who work with children. It’s a stepping stone into learning more about youth suicide, and ways others can help stop this from happening by attacking the causes of bullying Children need to be taught at a VERY early age to about bullying and why it is NOT acceptable, as well as being taught that “if” they are being bullied, they need to speak with someone right away. Children NEED to know that ending their life is NOT the solution. They need to learn there are other, better, ways to address bullying.
Below is the trailer.
Kimberly
*I received a free screener in order to do this review. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.