Film exposes teens to negative effects of bullying

By Staff Writer

The Monterey County Herald reports that nearly 400 seventh- and eight-graders watched "Teen Truth Live: Bully and School Violence," then heard from the film's producer, JC Pohl, who said that 99 percent of kids have either been bullied or have been bullies. The movie included scenes of a fist fight, the initial aftermath of the Columbine shooting and testimonials from teenagers who have been bullied.

Some of the children gasped during certain scenes.

"You know how some kids come to school smiling, as if they're happy. I do that every day," said 13-year-old Chloe Escalante, as her eyes welled up, as quoted by the news provider. "I just keep everything inside. Everybody knows me as the school singer, everybody looks at me like nothing is going on."

Pohl delivered a message of hope, saying that students who feel isolated are not as alone as they may feel. He suggested that students try to provide at least one compliment to a peer every day.

According to BullyStatistics.org, schools should adopt clear policies that are thoroughly explained to faculty and students. In states in which there are laws against bullying, a penalty may include school sanctions and even criminal prosecution.