Submit the Documentary: The Virtual Reality of Cyberbullying
By Renee Longstreet,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Clear, effective docu offers intense stories, solutions.
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Submit the Documentary: The Virtual Reality of Cyberbullying
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What's the Story?
SUBMIT THE DOCUMENTARY: THE VIRTUAL REALITY OF CYBERBULLYING is a compilation of personal stories told from various points of view. It includes interviews with kids, academics, psychologically trained professionals, educators, parents, and law enforcement officials. The statistical information it offers about online bullying (and, tangentially, sexting) is well integrated with the fabric of the movie's intent: to reveal the profound emotional impact of cyberbullying and to propose positive ways of countering it. Cyberbullying is epidemic, the experts testify -- and most of them are stymied by their inability to maintain damage control. Kids are afraid to fight back, afraid to get involved when others are being hurt, and they struggle to avoid intimidation themselves. But the filmmakers aren't satisfied with that bleak picture. They counter with theories that do work -- primarily teaching empathy and educating those they term "bystanders," who are deemed to be the best defense against the predators.
Is It Any Good?
Director Muta'ali Muhammad and his colleagues succeed in delivering a tight, informative hour-long film that addresses cyberbullying, a critical issue affecting older kids and teens.
Submit the Documentary is earnest, comprehensive, and emotionally shattering. Carefully defining cyberbullying, using personal stories to provide emotional impact, and showing the powerlessness of those who are victimized (both the kids and adults they turn to for help) ultimately leads the filmmakers to find and deliver solutions. Difficult though those solutions may be to implement, the film offers hope, as well as concrete ways for kids to help themselves -- and others.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about an individual's responsibility to stand up, not stand by, as it's discussed in Submit the Documentary: The Virtual Reality of Cyberbullying. Is that easy to do? How do you think people can really make a difference against bullies?
Parents, talk to your kids about teen suicide. This is an incredibly tough topic, but one that needs to be addressed. What makes some people think that it's their only option? What impact does their decision have on their friends and family? Where can kids in despair turn for assistance?
How is cyberbullying different from in-person/physical bullying? What gives it so much power to harm?
Kids have to face bullies even when they're very young. If you've been bullied, how did you handle it? Which adults would you trust for advice or help?
Submit the Documentary talks a lot about empathy. Think of some examples when you had empathy for someone else. Why do you think empathy is an effective way of dealing with bullying?
Movie Details
- In theaters: March 23, 2013
- On DVD or streaming: May 18, 2015
- Cast: Les Ottolenghi
- Director: Muta'ali Muhammad
- Studio: Plat4m Studios
- Genre: Documentary
- Topics: High School
- Character Strengths: Empathy
- Run time: 55 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: February 25, 2022
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