Best Enemies, a new short film and education program about cyber bullying, is taking its message to regional Australia, commencing with a tour to local schools in Griffith NSW on Tuesday, February 23.
The film will screen to more than 450 students from Griffith schools, with a further screening to P&C members, parents and the community at the Griffith Ex-Servicemen’s Club. Lee-Ann Simon (stars as Rebecca in Best Enemies) will also run workshops at the local schools.
Inspired by true events, Best Enemies explores why girls are so mean to each other, especially when they're friends. The film delves into the bully’s motives and use of SMS and social networking websites to disseminate cruel information.
Cyber bullying is a growing problem which has led the film-makers, Ross Bark and Darren Bark, to launch an education resource that incorporates Best Enemies for schools, youth organisations and parents.
"We’ve found the film’s uniqueness comes from its ability to show the consequences from both the victim and bully’s perspective and this has really connected with young people" Ross Bark said.
Best Enemies has been used in more than 20 schools across NSW and is supported by MySpace, Girlfriend magazine, Hoyts, and Youth Interagency Groups.
Darren Bark said schools that have screened Best Enemies have found it effective: “Best Enemies is a valuable tool within educational programs to help confront and educate on cyber safety”
Mike Neville, mayor of Griffith City Council, said: “Griffith is happy to launch this initiative which openly confronts an issue that hits at the heart of many young Australians”
“Cyber bullying undermines the fabric of young community members by diminishing their self-image and self-respect. This initiative offers participants a chance to develop strategies to avoid being drawn into the bullying cycle.” Mike Neville said.
The Griffith screenings will include a panel discussion featuring Mike Neville, Ross Bark, Lee-Ann Simon (stars as Rebecca in Best Enemies), Stephen Fry (DET Student Welfare Consultant), Senior Constable Jane Keating (School Liaison Police – Griffith LAC) and Jenny Turner (Community Mental Health Practitioner – Griffith Community Health).
