'Bully': Can Your Child Relate?

The controversial documentary Bully is currently out in select theaters and is scheduled for general release April 13.

Filmed over the course of the 2009/2010 school year, Bully opens a window onto the pained and often endangered lives of bullied kids, revealing a problem that transcends geographic, racial, ethnic and economic borders, according to the film's website.

According to the site, it documents the responses of teachers and administrators to aggressive behaviors that defy “kids will be kids” clichés, and it captures a growing movement among parents and youths to change how bullying is handled in schools, in communities and in society as a whole.

Locally, the has adopted a zero-tolerance policy toward bullying, advocating immediate action be taken in response to an incident, according to Mary Schillinger, assistant superintendent with the district.

And recently, the district has adopted the Olweus Bully Intervention Program, which is aimed at giving everyone a role, from students to teachers, in combating bullying, , forthcoming superintendent.

But is the problem really being dealt with effectively in classrooms and playgrounds throughout the area? This question not only applies to aggressive behavior but also to ostracization.

Tell us what you think in our poll and comments section.