All three of my kids either are or were bullied in school. My son Matthew who is now 17 years old and has ADHD and Autism was bullied so bad in school that he refused to go to class and hid out in bathrooms to avoid being tormented. My daugher Chyna who has no disability is facing bullying herself and that is because of the fact that she chooses to be different and not follow the status quo as far as how she chooses to express herself, and then I have my 10 year old son Devin who has ADHD and Autism as well and he has been pushed down, kicked, punched, and told that he is gross and disgusting. Now I have contacted school officials on more than one occasion and have gotten the run around, told that kids will be kids, and so on and when I saw the trailer for this movie it was like a ray of hope. I was hoping that all of the kids that were inflicting the damage that they were could see what it caused and maybe change a few minds. Unfortunately the movie theatre here in Hibbing MN would not show Bully and the only place that I can see it is a four hour drive away. I would love to get the permission from the director of the movie and from the Weinstein Company who distributed the film to have a private showing here in my city. I would not charge admission and I would serve refreshments for no charge. It is not about the money, it is about getting the message across to as many kids as I can to try to stop this epidemic of bullying before another child decides to take their own life, before one of my kids decides to take their own life. Thank you for letting me tell my story and I hope this helps parents out there know that they are not alone and there are many of us parents out there that are dealing with the same issues.
Let's Create a Bully Free World for Children with Special Needs
BULLY is now playing in theaters around the country. Please go see this important film with your family, friends, and colleagues.
Then tell us your story of bullying, and how the film inspires you to join the movement for a bully free world.
For ideas and information about how you can make a difference in your community, check out our newly-released toolkit full of resources specifically designed for parents, educators and students dealing with bullying of children with special needs.