It’s a subject that often times gets shoved into the back corner with phrases like “…kids will be kids…” or “…there’s different rules on the playground…” or even “…you can’t regulate teasing…”  Hopefully we can change that.

Bullying is not only a significant problem among the young and old in our society – it’s only getting worse with the introduction of social media, the internet and smartphones in the hands of so many kids.

On Wednesday I was the moderator for a showing of the documentary film “Bully” and I must say it is a very powerful film that had a significant effect on the entire audiance who was there for the show.

The problem is that this movie NEEDS to be seen by soooo many more people than it has.  It’s a movie that you, your friends, your children, your extended family and your co-workers need to see.

After the showing a young man stood up and asked how we could get this film seen by everyone – instead of just the smallish groups of people in the theatre.  It’s a great point and I told him that saying what he said at the theatre is EXACTLY what he needed to say to his principal, to his teachers, to the school board and to anyone who will listen.  I hope he does it, and I think he will.

Earlier this year our sister station 570 News did a 5-part series on the subject of Bullying and if you get a moment please have a look and listen.  You can click here to be re-directed to it.

EVERY ONE OF US has in some way been affected by this issue and the only way it gets better is if people talk about the problem.  “Bully” is a film that will make people do just that.

Thanks to Tana Nash from the Waterloo Region Suicide Prevention Council for the invite and to everyone else who helped make yesterday such a moving and informative event including Waterloo Regional Police, Lutherwood and WAYVE.

“Everything starts with ONE”

Twitter:
Waterloo Region Suicide Prevention Council:  @WRSPC
Lutherwood:  @Lutherwood
“Bully” the movie:  @bullymovie
Kids Help Phone:  @KidsHelpPhone

@PJonCHYM