A Cinematic Look at Bullying

This Friday the new film, Bully, will expand to movie theaters nationwide with a new PG-13 rating. The documentary takes a look at how bullying has touched five kids and their families.

According to the film's website, over 13 million American kids will be bullied this year, making it the most common form of violence experienced by young people in the nation.

Today's technology of social media and texting has made cyberbullying a key concern for parents. Cyberbullying is when a child, preteen or teen is tormented, threatened, harassed, humiliated, embarrassed or otherwise targeted by another minor using the Internet, digital technologies and mobile phones.

Kids usually know it when they see it, while parents may be less aware.

According to the Cyberbullying Research Center, here are some signs that your child may be a victim:

• Unexpectedly stops using the computer
• Appears nervous or jumpy when an instant message, text message, or email appears
• Appears to be angry, depressed or frustrated after using the computer
• Avoids discussions about what they are doing on the computer
• Becomes abnormally withdrawn from usual friends and family members

Experts also suggest parents ask around if they feel their child or teen may be the victim. Odds are your daughter may have told her best friend about the cruel comments made about her weight online and then she told her mom. Check in with parents you trust. Also, engage your child in regular, honest chats about their online life.

There can be long-term effects of cyberbullying, both for the bully themselves and for the victim including low self-esteem, high anxiety and depression.  The filmmakers behind Bully are hoping their new movie draws more attention to the issue.