Pushed to the Brink

Gr 7 Up—Kristina and Jeffrey were victims of bullying. We see photos and hear from their mothers who are trying to understand how taunts from schoolmates resulted in their suicides. The ubiquitous problem of bullying among youth is explored in a straightforward manner. The mothers of the two victims articulate the trajectory of torment their children endured, and attempt to share possible ways to stop bullying. Dr. Joel Haber, a clinical psychologist, discusses different types of bullying. Four teens explain how bullying hurt them and how they moved beyond the pain. There are many different forms of bullying, and there are physical, verbal and exclusionary tactics all designed to humiliate the victim. Cyberbullying may be the worst of all because these comments and images travel with lightning speed to a wide universe of recipients. Methods to combat bullying are presented. It is emphasized that victims of bullying must be defended by others. The tone of the DVD is direct without being preachy, and the use of corny simulations is avoided. A welcome tool to help fight this pervasive problem.—Robin Levin, Fort Washakie School/Community Library, WY