School Bullying: Kids React (VIDEO)

There are myriad opinions on why kids bully, how to get rid of bullying in schools and whether eliminating bullying altogether is even possible. But for a lot of those issues, the voices are coming indirectly -- from parents, teachers and others who aren't the direct perpetrators or victims.

In a new video by The Fine Bros, filmmakers Benny and Rafi Fine go straight to the source and talk to kids about bullying. Watch the video above as kids react to a video of a student victim standing up to his bully, and hear what these kids have to say about what a bully is, how to handle a bullying situation, whether cyber bullying is worse and what they think schools should really be doing to combat bullying.

Speaking at a campaign event in Davenport, Iowa last week, Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.) responded to an audience member's question about what she would do about teen bullying in schools by calling for the elimination of the U.S. Department of Education.

Recently, the death of Jamey Rodemeyer has cast a national spotlight on gay bullying in schools, particularly the complex emotional and social issues that lead to extreme measures like 14-year-old Rodemeyer's suicide. The teenager killed himself after posting a viral "It Gets Better" video, and his case drew further national attention when Lady Gaga vowed on Twitter to make bullying illegal -- even going to the president himself to address the issue.

A recent video shows a school bully waiting inside a classroom for a gay student, so he could beat the victim to the ground. To combat bullying, victims are taking to other measures -- like plastic surgery -- just so the harassment stops.

Joining Lady Gaga in the public fight against school bullying is a host of prominent figures and organizations, including rapper Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson, Tyra Banks and popular children's show Sesame Street.

Comments

[cerebrogasm]

12:43 AM on 11/03/2011

These kids are amazing.

My take on bullying is that it is a inherited trait - through evolution. Chimps bully each other as well as show compassion to injured companions. I know a lot of professionals in various arenas don't agree with such reductionist viewpoints - but the data is there and does qualify as scientific evidence. This would lead to questions about brain development - specifically parts of the brain that "light up" when aggression is active balanced against inhibitory neural circuits that quell these impulses. Of course, from there, nurture ensues and familial, cultural, and other factors, such as economic pressures and exposure to trauma can exacerbate a trait that may have never been expressed.

[A Dub]

05:11 PM on 11/02/2011

Michigan passed it's Anti-bullying bill in the Senate which is actually a Pro-bullying bill across party lines today. All democrats voted no but they are outnumbered. "Matt's Safe School Law" passed 26-11 with all Democrats present voting against it. The law includes a section noting it doesn't abridge First Amendment free speech rights or prohibit expression of religious or moral viewpoints — a provision Democrats fear could be used to justify harassment of gay, lesbian or transgendered students. Basically it is a bullying is OK in Michigan law! The legislation now goes to the Republican-controlled House.

[Justin Levine]

12:31 PM on 11/02/2011

I love this series. Some of these kids have more insight, more maturity and more wisdom than whole herds of their "adult" counterparts. Very happy that the Fine Brothers tackled this issue.

[teachone]

04:33 PM on 11/01/2011

These kids are saying exactly what we adults have been saying for years, "MAKE AND ENFORCE STRONG LAWS TO PREVENT BULLYING!!" It will not stop until this happens!!! Strong and enforced laws!!!!! Bullying is abuse!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[SURFERMOM]

03:43 PM on 10/31/2011

Adult bloggers,watch this video.These kids are more insightful,thoughtful and wise than many adults that post their comments on HP.What a great little video.