What it’s all about
Bullying can be a hugely difficult subject for young people to talk about. A bullied child is often too vulnerable to speak out, a bully might not know the emotional damage their actions are causing, and onlookers may be afraid to intervene, writes Victoria Walden.
Under the theme Making Bullying Unacceptable, education charity Filmclub has curated a thought-provoking series of films that highlight the importance of taking a stand when you see someone in trouble.
Dumbo, Back to the Future, Scrooge and Hating Alison Ashley are great films which contain lessons that will help children to understand the devastating effects of bullying. Most importantly, all feature characters who intervene when someone is being bullied and raise the question of how best to deal with a bully.
Think of Timothy Mouse, for example, the lovable loudmouth who convinces Dumbo to be proud of who he is and to ignore those who have ridiculed him. Dumbo is bullied because he’s different but, as is so often the case, it’s his difference that makes him special, illustrated beautifully when he flaps his ears and floats into the sky.
The Making Bullying Unacceptable film season is accompanied by detailed film guides, which include review starters and discussion points that help teachers to explore the issues raised fully.
To start a Filmclub in your school, visit www.filmclub.org. The Making Bullying Unacceptable resource is available to download at www.tes.co.ukresources
What else?
Explore bullying by watching Filmclub’s suggested films and using the recommended questions to start classroom discussions, bit.lyFilmBully. For more ways to use film in the classroom, visit Filmclub UK’s profile on TES Resources, bitly.comtesFILMCLUB.
