I was heavily bullied in primary school through junior high...then it tapered off as I entered high school. For those who weren't bullied, it's hard to describe how much of a nightmare it makes every day living for a child. For me, I was bullied because I was weaker than most boys, not very sports inclined and I had a severe stutter. I was the perfect candidate for bullying. Nothing was ever done by administration, teachers, anybody. Typical responses were to just "grow up" or "toughen up" or "get over it". What those responses lack are empathy...which is what makes bullying possible to begin with. As a society, we have a severe lack of empathy...and until children and parents and school officials are educated to exactly how it feels, how devastating it is, how much it can ruin a child's life, nothing will ever be done about it. Today I am a parent and an educator and I follow a zero-tolerance policy regarding bullying. If we even see a *hint* of it, the response is immediate and severe. I'm so thankful for organizations like this one and the film is simply life changing.
By writing some words below, you are showing your support and letting everyone know they're not alone.