 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Cyberbully
- Review Date: July 17, 2011
- PG-13
- Genre: Drama
- 2012
Common Sense Media says
Emotional movie raises issues of online safety for teens.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this TV movie takes a realistic and thoughtful approach to the issue of online bullying as seen through the eyes of a teen victim. Though the social website at the heart of the story is fictional, its similarity to Facebook and the like is implied, so you can draw real-world parallels between the characters' interactions and what your teens find online. The emotional content touches on issues like homophobia and suicide, so be prepared to discuss these themes as well. There's some strong language ("ass" and "damn") and a lot of name-calling ("skank," "whore," "bitch"), both face-to-face and online, and teens talk about their own sexual experiences and their views on premarital sex. There are some positive messages about tolerance, standing up to peer pressure, and turning the tables on adversity, but the movie's serious tone makes it best for teens and up.
What's the story?
Taylor Hillridge (Emily Osment) is thrilled when her mom gives her a computer for her 17th birthday and entrusts her with unmonitored access to the Internet. At the encouragement of her best friend, Samantha (Kay Panabaker), Taylor joins a popular social site called Cliquesters and weighs in on her classmates' gossip. But she soon finds herself the target of some nasty comments from some of the girls in her class -- and eventually some blatant lies from a mysterious admirer. The situation spirals out of control, driving Taylor to a breaking point; it's only with the support of her mother, Kris (Kelly Rowan), and the help of other victims that she's able to overcome the emotional trauma of the experience and use it to effect changes that will help protect other teens.
Is it any good?
Relevant and thought-provoking, CYBERBULLY is a great jumping-off point for talking to teens about the very real dangers that exist online. The movie does a good job of working in most of the hot-button issues related to this topic, including the anonymity that exists online, the legal loopholes that enable cyberbullying, the social pressure on teens to partake in digital relationships, and the emotional devastation that bullying inflicts on its victims and their families. The story also looks at the situation from bystanders' point of view, showing how their indifference further enables the behavior and isolates victims.
There's some stereotyping among the characters (a posse of mean girls is at behind the bullying, and victims include a gay teen and an overweight girl), but a few plot twists serve as reminders that anyone is capable of contributing to the problem. It's true that the issue of online safety is as relevant to today's cyber-savvy younger kids as it is to teens, but this movie isn't the best way to introduce them to the subject due to its weighty subject matter, references to sexual relationships and STDs, and strong language. It is worth making a date to watch and discuss it with your teen, though; you might just be surprised at what you learn about this serious issue.
Explore, discuss, enjoy
Families can talk about online safety. Teens: What are your family's rules about using the Internet? Are there sites you're not allowed to visit? Why? How do these rules compare to your friends'? What are the dangers of sharing personal information online?
How has technology improved the quality of our lives? How has it changed how we communicate? Is there a downside to the fact that with cell phones and the Internet, we're always accessible?
Why is cyberbullying such a hot topic? Teens: Do you ever see this kind of behavior among people you know? Do you think it is exaggerated or underreported, or does the media portray it accurately? Have you been bullied or cyberbullied? What are your coping mechanisms?
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- Teens & kids
Teen, 14 years old
July 20, 2011
AGE
completely unrealistic, don't waste your time with this
i go to a public high school and not one kid there would
A. accept a friend request from a complete stranger
B. create a fake account online just to teach their friend a "lesson"
C. not delete the account when the bullying started
D. be so overdramatic and break down in tears at every tiny insult
also, no one is mean to anyone else for no reason. the reason may be petty or superficial but it's still there.
also in high school, nothing is going to make the ENTIRE SCHOOL turn against you. this movie was laughable at best. insulting to teens at worst. we're not this stupid
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Adult
July 20, 2011
AGE
Wow Thumps up
Cyberbully is mainly saying if your being bullied you should stand up for yourself or tell someone like a teacher or parent or admistrator or etc... Take me for example.... I was bullied for 8 years EIGHT and it was as soon as i transferred to public school in the 3rd grade. It took until I got into Middle school for it to get realy bad. I got into a fight because of it and there was this group of girls who I hated, they was picking on me I mean everytime I show up at school they was always right there and they would tell me to do stuff like Lick the ice cream of someone shoe or eat my lipstick or carry our books and projects and they would call me fat, ugly, godzilla, acne face, jacka..., donlkey kong, donkey brains, swine...etc.... They would even put kick me signs on my back or Give me a $20 and I'll suck your......... But all im sayiong is dont wait as long as i did to get help help. I got help but it didnt do anything, one teacher hated me so he joined in too. But its never to late to get help!!! GET HELP DONT WAIT LIKE I DID.
What other families should know:
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Adult
July 18, 2011
AGE
Brian dumbing
Terrible acting. Should have been an hour long, not 2 hours, but Taylor kept closing her laptop and running three feet to cry( this fills about one hour of the movie).
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Kid, 12 years old
July 28, 2011
AGE
EH
What other families should know:
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Adult
July 20, 2011
AGE
VERY revalent.
i'm extremely proud of abc family for using their teen-based fanbases of pretty little liars, secret life, make it or break it, etc. to get across such a strong message about a rapidly growing issue. yes, i get what everyone says about it being more raw and "realistic", but i felt like it was an age appropriate lifetime movie. i was VERY impressed by Emily Osment's acting... i definitely expect for her to have a bright future ahead of her. i honestly feel like this IS appropriate for the younger kids, the restraint shown is a nod to the younger viewers at the same time at nineteen years old i still felt i could relate to it. i think this movie should be shown to ALL kids BEFORE they get into middle school where the bullying is usually its worst. bottom line, its touching and inspiring. getting help doesn't make you defective. it makes you human. and STAND UP FOR YOURSELF! it ALWAYS gets better, just PERSEVERE!! ....i wish i had this movie when i went through junior high.
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AGE
Positive
It is an amazing movie with a positive message! The language can be bad, so can the sexual stuff, but this movie's amazing!
What other families should know:
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AGE
Positive
It is an amazing movie with a positive message! The language can be bad, so can the sexual stuff, but this movie's amazing!
What other families should know:
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Teen, 14 years old
July 20, 2011
AGE
Teens should watch
This movie is great for teens. They really need the idea that what you type hurts pounded into their heads. I think that parents should suggest that teens watch it. There are a lot of lessons that this show teaches.
What other families should know:
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Teen, 15 years old
July 17, 2011
AGE
Great Movie. Allows people to know what the effects are.
This movie is great for kids to see. Wether they have been bullied, or not. It is great for them to see what to do if they have been bullied, or for them to see if they are bullying. Words hurt, and everyone should realize that. Also tells parents to keep an eye on their children, and have rules about online use.
What other families should know:
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Parent
July 18, 2011
AGE
Listen
Parents remember kids are online 24/7 starting at the age of 5 in online communitys like LPSO littlest pet shop online and can bully there
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| Studio: | GAIAM |
| Cast: | Emily Osment, Kay Panabaker, Kelly Rowan |
| Genre: | Drama |
| Run time: | 87 minutes |
| DVD release date: | February 7, 2012 |
| MPAA rating: | PG-13 |
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