"Bully"--A New Documentary Opens Nationwide Today

The documentary “Bully,” about teenage bullying, is in theaters now, after weeks of controversy over the “R” rating the film initially received because of some its language, thereby making it difficult or impossible to see for the age group that could benefit most from its message.

Now rated PG-13, the movie, which chronicles the experience of several adolescents who were bullied and the often-clueless adults in their lives, should be seen by teens and adults alike, says a reviewer in the Washington Post today. “This intimate, straightforward, often wrenching portrait of five families dealing with bullying and its aftermath doesn't hold many surprises at a time when such campaigns as 'It Gets Better' and special programming on kids' cable networks are bringing the issue to the fore. Then again, these heartbreaking stories of victimization, perseverance, and adult cluelessness bring a necessary human face to an experience all too often banished to the realm of statistics or hazy 'kids will be kids' denial.”

For coverage of mental health issues related to bulllying, see Psychiatric News here and here.

(Image: oliveromg/shutterstock.com)