Bully: the Documentary

Name ______Alex Ja’Meya-14 years old

Bully: The Documentary

Bully is a documentary film.

A documentary film is a non-fiction text that represents

events and people from real life. The purpose of a documentary

film could be to provoke thought, to educate or to

persuade. To be successful a documentary film also needs

to engage its audience.

Kelby-16 years old TylerSmalley-11 years old Tyler Long- 17years old

Took his life Took his life

Bullying is repeated verbal, physical, social or psychological

behaviour that is harmful and involves the misuse

of power by an individual or group towards one or more

persons. It can have long-term effects on those involved.

Bullying can happen face-to-face; at a distance; and

through information and communications technologies.

1. Is there anything you would like to add to thedefinition?

1. Is there anything about the definition that you wouldlike to change?

1. Why do you think bullies bully?

Bullying can have serious short-term and long-term consequences for children and teenagers who are bullied.

1. Write a list of these shorttermand long-term consequences.

1. What impact does bullying have on the family andfriends of children and teenagers who are bullied?

1. Do you think the voices of the victims of bullying areignored? When did you see this happen in Bully? Canyou recall moments when the victims’ voices were diminished?

1. How do people explain why someone is being bullied?

1. Do people make excuses that protect the bully rather thanthe person being bullied? Do their responses sometimesallow the bullying to continue?

Did you see this happen in Bully?

1. Do you think children and teenagers find it difficult totell their family, friends and teachers that they are beingbullied? Why?

1. In what ways are, or were, Kelby and Ty supported bytheir friends?

1. When it comes to bullying, who is ‘bystander’ and whois an ‘upstander’?

1. Why don’t people intervene when they see someoneis being bullied? Make a list of

reasons why people might choose to be bystanders.

1. Why aren’t there more upstanders?

1. Think about a time when you witnessed bullying. Howdid you respond? How do you wish you had responded?

What stopped you from responding that way?

1. What can schools and communities do to challenge aculture of bullying?

1. Can a documentary make a difference?

1. Will Bully change anything?

1. Has watching Bully changed your perspective?

1. Do you think we should show this in class again? Why or Why not?