Watch The Bully Project

The Bully Project is an eye-opening documentary about the bullying epidemic in America that follows the lives of five children and their families as they deal with the devastating effects of bullying. The film, released in 2011, was directed by Lee Hirsch and produced by Cynthia Lowen. The movie begins by introducing 12-year-old Alex Libby, who is about to start seventh grade at a new school in Sioux City, Iowa. Alex is a sweet, sensitive boy who has a condition called achondroplasia, which means he is significantly shorter than his peers. Almost immediately, he becomes the target of bullying by his classmates, who tease him, call him names, and physically assault him. The filmmakers show footage of Alex being shoved, kicked, and punched by his peers, who seem to take pleasure in his pain.

Another child profiled in the film is Kelby Johnson, a 16-year-old from Tuttle, Oklahoma, who is openly gay. Kelby, who comes from a Christian family and attends a Baptist church, is ostracized by her classmates when she comes out as gay. The film shows her being shunned, verbally abused, and even physically assaulted by some of her former friends and teammates. Her parents, who are interviewed throughout the movie, express their shock and outrage at the bullying their daughter faces, but also their determination to support her no matter what.

The Bully Project also introduces the audiences to the Johnson family from Murray County, Oklahoma. The family is a religious one and their daughter, Lona Johnson does not really fit in with her conservative religious community. Her parents discuss their frustration and confusion as to why Lona is bullied and how the community is excluding their daughter from activities. They take measures to change this and promote an inclusive approach to friendships and acceptance.

The film's other subjects include Tyler Long, a 17-year-old from Murray County, Georgia who committed suicide due to severe bullying and Ja'Meya Jackson, a 14-year-old from Yazoo County, Mississippi, who faced criminal charges for bringing a gun on a school bus after being tormented by her peers.

Throughout the film, the audience sees the devastating impact of bullying on the children and their families. They talk about the long-term effects of being bullied, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD that impacts them as adults. The film also touches on the long-term effects of child bullying, including difficulty maintaining relationships and issues with mental health.

The Bully Project provides a comprehensive look at the issue of bullying in America. The film sheds light on the root causes of bullying and shows how it can affect children of all ages and backgrounds. It also provides examples of how parents, schools, and communities can work together to prevent bullying and support victims.

Overall, The Bully Project is a must-watch for anyone who cares about the well-being of children and wants to understand better how bullying can affect our society. It is a powerful and emotional film that will leave viewers feeling angry, sad, and inspired all at once. It won multiple awards, including the Best Documentary at the 2012 Seattle International Film Festival, and was praised by critics and audiences for its honest portrayal of bullying in our society.