Research suggests that nearly 70 % of children in the UK have had some kind of bullying experience – yet bullying is a sensitive and complex subject which can be difficult to talk about. One way to tackle it is through the inclusive and accessible medium of film. To tie in with Anti-Bullying Week 2014 (November 17-22) the education charity Into Film has developed a resource featuring six carefully selected films – three for primary and three for secondary - to promote discussion about bullying and related themes such as friendship, standing up for what is right and the power of groups, positive and negative. Films are free to order for all schools with an Into Film club; to start a club visit: www.intofilm.org/schools-film-clubs or call 0207 288 4520.
Incorporating the vital theme of cyberbullying, titles for secondary are The Social Network (2010, 12), about the founders and impact of Facebook, tense British drama UWantMeToKillHim (15, 2013) and futuristic sci-fi movie Ender’s Game (2013, 12). Related activities range from a character crossroads discussion and worksheet to researching successful people who were bullied as a child, and creating an educational Talking Heads film about different types of bullying and how to stop them. Download the resource at http://www.intofilm.org/news/articles/film-resource-anti-bullying-week
