'Bully' Movie Screening for Free at Aptos Cinema Saturday

Contributed by Cindy O’Conner, Administrative Aide to the Superintendent, Santa Cruz County Office of Education

Over 13 million American kids will be bullied this year in schools. Bullying has a profound impact on the bullied and the bullies, and by extension our school communities. We are fortunate in Santa Cruz County that most of us working in and around our schools are proactive to create places where every student feels safe. But we can do more. We can always do more.

Please join the Santa Cruz County Office of Education in a special screening of the film, Bully on Saturday, May 12 at 1 p.m at the Aptos Cinema.

This event is free. To reserve your seat(s) please use the following link to register: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/3498820065

Following the film, stay for a conversation with our panelists beginning at 2:40 p.m. to learn more about an impressive number and variety of solutions to bullying available in Santa Cruz County.   

Bully reflects many of the challenges faced by all members of the school community, from bus drivers to teachers to administrators, when it comes to handling bullying. Many of us are still learning how to recognize and effectively respond to bullying in school, online and in our communities.

Many school faculty members may not be trained to recognize the range of bullying behaviors, others may not feel equipped to effectively intervene. Some may feel that even if they do intervene, they will not be supported by their administrators. They may think their actions won’t make a difference, particularly in schools where bullying is pervasive or people have an attitude with the myth that “it’s just kids being kids.” By nature kids act the way most of us do most of the time. Like adults, they are kind and come to school to learn. Feeling safe at school is a pre-requisite to learning.

The Q&A panel will present dozens of successful solutions and resources to creatively work on bullying incidents and trends. 

There are dozens of people here in Santa Cruz who are ready to work with schools, families, and individuals who need and want a way to empower everyone beyond bullying.

Will you go see the movie? Have you experienced bullying first hand? Do you think this is a vital issue? Tell us in the comments!

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