Teen Truth: An Inside Look at Bullying and School Violence 2006
Distributed by Human Relations Media, 41 Kensico Drive, Mt. Kisco, NY 10549; 800-431-2050
Produced by Anson W. Schloat
Director n/a
VHS, color, 22 min.
Jr. High - College
Education, Violence, Bullying
Date Entered: 12/20/2006
Reviewed by Gerald Notaro, University Librarian, Nelson Poynter Memorial Library, University of South Florida, St. PetersburgTeen Truth: An Inside Look at Bullying and School Violence begins weakly with opening statements by the film’s director Erahm Christopher. No matter what film skills he may possess, he is no narrator and does not have the screen presence to attract viewers into the film, especially the target teen audience. Sincerity and good intent do not equate with successful filmmaking. There are on screen interviews with a Safe School Coordinator, High School Principal, Psychology Professor, and, of course, the teens themselves. Their complaints of having to be cool, to fit in, and having to keep up with quick changing fashions and trends sound like whines of characters from Rent, and come off as trivial compared to the problems of teens around the world. Various scenarios spell out the different forms that bullying takes. This is followed by dramatic security video footage and the 911 calls from Columbine. Though attention getting, they fail to establish a psychological or proven link between teen bullying and teen/school violence. Though well meaning and to be lauded for addressing an important subject, Teen Truth: An Inside Look at Bullying and School Violence is not recommended for purchase.