Bully

The film opens with Tyler Long's father recounting the early signs of bullying that Tyler faced during his school years. He shares a heartbreaking account of how Tyler was humiliated in the locker room, where bullies would steal his clothes, forcing him to leave disrobed.

Despite the mounting bullying, Tyler struggled through his teenage years until he made the devastating decision to take his own life in 2009 at just 17 years old. His mother discovered him hanging in his closet, and a poignant note was left on the bed, underscoring the depth of his pain.

Introducing Alex, a timid thirteen-year-old boy, who is anxious about returning to school and making friends. The film captures his experiences at the bus stop, where he is threatened violently by a classmate, signaling the bullying that will continue throughout his school day.

Kelby, a courageous young girl who identifies as a lesbian, shares her struggle against bullying. She narrates a harrowing experience when a group of boys hit her with a minivan, reflecting on the deep impact of both physical and emotional harassment.

Despite her family's initial support, Kelby faces rejection due to her sexual orientation, leading her to a history of self-harm and multiple suicide attempts. Her determination shines through as she declares, 'If I leave, they win,' illustrating her resolve amidst the tragic circumstances.

The documentary introduces JaMeya, a 14-year-old honor student in Yazoo County, Mississippi. Faced with relentless bullying, she brings her mother's gun to school, not to harm anyone, but to frighten her bullies, resulting in dire consequences.

In the wake of Tyler's tragic death, his parents channel their grief into action by organizing town meetings to raise awareness about bullying. They confront school officials who often dismiss these issues, illustrating the need for systemic change.

During one of the town meetings, a brave student named Devon steps forward to share his personal experiences with bullying. His courage in speaking out highlights the importance of community support and the need for young voices to be heard.

The documentary shifts focus to Ty Smalley, an 11-year-old boy who also fell victim to relentless bullying. His best friend Trey recalls their last moments together, providing a glimpse into Ty’s internal struggles and the impact of bullying on mental health.

The film poignantly captures Ty's funeral, where his parents grapple with their immense loss. Trey's reflections on his past as a bully further emphasize the documentary's theme of transformation and the need for empathy in addressing bullying.

As the film progresses, viewers see Kelby flourishing in her new relationship, crediting her supportive friends for her well-being. This offers a hopeful counter-narrative to the struggles she faced previously.

Meanwhile, Alex continues to endure bullying at school, feeling increasingly numb from the emotional toll it takes on him. The filmmakers express concern for his well-being, showcasing footage of bullying incidents that go largely ignored by school authorities.

After spending time in a psychiatric facility, JaMeya returns home, reflecting on the changes in her environment and her journey through the struggles she faced. This moment highlights the importance of recovery and support.

As Alex celebrates his last day of school, he experiences a sense of camaraderie with newfound friends. This moment stands in stark contrast to his previous experiences, illustrating the pivotal role of friendship in overcoming challenges.

The documentary concludes with Tyler's family leading rallies and an online group named *Stand for the Silent*, dedicated to raising awareness and fighting against bullying. Ty's father's emotional speech serves as a powerful reminder of their mission to honor their son’s legacy and create change.