Wired for Sex, Lies and Power Trips

Gr 7 Up—Teenagers and those working with them should watch this excellent, up-to-date, comprehensive documentary that's jam-packed with information about teen sexual harassment. Informative but engrossing, wise but non-judgmental, this Canadian production immerses viewers in the perspectives of culturally diverse Toronto teens as they untangle the assumptions that lead to harassment and the reasons people do not voice objections. The greatest strength of the film is its empathetic and balanced exploration of the ways both genders can work together towards solving this problem. The teens are terrific on camera: unscripted, honest, and insightful. The production style resembles a 1990s MTV reality show more than a contemporary one, but it is fast-paced and visually rich. The majority of harassment scenarios are small, subtle examples of "boundary-crossing" rather than violent assault, but teens should still be warned about the sensitive subject matter. Segments of the film could be used effectively to teach lessons on topics such as peer pressure; male-female communication; dating safety; gossip; and the role of the media, the Internet, and social networking in sexual behavior. School librarians and workshop leaders will rejoice at the bonus features, which include three 8-minute films on sexual pressures created by the teen participants and excellent discussion questions. Health teachers could shape an entire curriculum around this documentary.—Jess Hinds, Bard High School Early College-Queens, Long Island City, NY