‘Bully’ movie is catalyst to change ways bullying is handled in schools

To the Editor,

As you all know, bullying is still a problem in schools, homes, work and other places. I personally was bullied in high school several years ago. I believe that bullying in school is a BIG problem now, more than ever. This year over 18 million American kids will be bullied — making it the most common form of violence young people in the U.S. experience. Some kids even commit suicide at a young age because of being bullied in school. This is so sad.

Bullying is defined as any gesture or written, verbal, graphic, or physical act (including electronically transmitted acts through internet, telephone, or cell phone), that would regard to its subject matter, is intended or that a reasonable person would know is likely to harm one or more students directly or indirectly. I believe the student should walk away from the individual who is bullying them and notify a school official immediately. All schools have a Board Policy Language for Bullying and other aggressive behavior toward students. There are a lot of kids that are being bullied by their parents, care-giver and siblings, causing them to do the same in public — this has to stop!

Governor signed statewide that all public schools to update their Anti-Bullying policy on December 6, 2011. I know Madison, Clinton, and LISD Schools have updated their policies so far in my area. Michigan is the 48th state to adopt the Anti-Bullying Law in public school. By June 6, 2012 all public schools in Michigan need to update their Anti-Bullying Policy and enforce it.

There is a new movie called “Bully,” which came out in some theaters this past month. The movie is rated PG-13. The film company never made it available at the movie theater in Adrian. The movie may be available in August 2012 at your local video rental store.

As teachers, administrators, kids, parents, counselors, and volunteers, we all need to be informed what to do when a student gets bullied in school. Through the power of this movie, the film aims to be catalyst for change in the way we deal with bullying as parents, teachers, children, and society as a whole.

For more information about the movie “Bully” go to their website, www.thebullyproject.com. As of May 7, 2012, — 73,237 kids have seen the movie “Bully” so far.

Scott A. Marvin
Adrian
Diversity Coordinator for Lenawee RICC