Sunday, March 11, 2012

Video: Film offers shocking look at bullying



>>> we're back now with a problem of grave concern to the parents of school-age kids. it is greating great new -- it is about the brutal world of bullying as camera as rolled on those caught in the act . there's a controversy not so much about the subject, but about the film's rating. we get the story tonight from nbc's michelle franzen .

>> they punch me, strangle me. take things from me.

>> reporter: it is a shocking look inside the world of bullying. and its painful effects including suicide.

>> some kids told him he's worthless, to go hang himself. i think he got to the point where enough was enough.

>> reporter: for a year, the filmmakers followed families of bullied kids around the country in including 12-year-old alex libby.

>> i feel kind offer nervous going to the schools.

>> reporter: as the camera as rolled, the taunts continued. the film shows what happened when alex's parents turned to the school for help.

>> he's not safe on that bus.

>> i have been on that bus. they are just as good as gold.

>> reporter: for the producer and director, making the film was also personal.

>> i was bullied as a kid, and i think as a filmmaker it was something that i really carried with me.

>> reporter: the film's graphic language earned it an "r" rating. children under 17 need to be accompanied by an adult. some say that will make it harder for those most affected by the problem to see the film. the filmmakers and others including ellen degeneres are lobbying hard to get it changed to pg-13 saying the film could save lives. a michigan team and anti-bully anti-bullyianti-bully anti-bullying advocate delivered a petition to the ratings board.

>> i thought it was a bad idea because the target audience for the movie is middle school and high school students.

>> reporter: a media watchdog group agree, saying kids as young as 13 should see the movie.

>> it's the kind of movie that can be a real learning experience for kids around parents alike. and in a sense can be a teachable moment even though it's a painful topic.

>> my voice is not going to fall silent.

>> reporter: a necessary discussion that filmmakers hope will lead to change. michelle franzen , nbc news, new york.

Source: http://video.msnbc.msn.com/nightly-news/46693947/

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