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Best Enemies
A new film attempts to tackle cyber bullying in regional Australia
Best Enemies, a new short film about cyber bullying, is taking its message to regional Australia commencing with a tour of local schools in Griffith NSW on February 23.
The film follows the recognition that cyber bullying is a growing problem among teenagers today especially considering the young age at which people are being introduced to the internet and new technologies. The ability to mass communicate messages to friends, through social networking sites and text messaging, has made psychological bullying a potent issue.
Inspired by true events, Best Enemies tells the story of sixteen year old Rebecca whose world is thrown into chaos when overnight her best friend becomes her best enemy. Feeling isolated and depressed, Rebecca quickly develops a romance with a boy she meets online, leading to grave consequences.
The film explores teenage relationships and delves into the motives behind bullying and the use of SMS and social networking websites to disseminate cruel information.
Creators, Ross and Darren Bark, hope the film can be used as an educational resource for schools, youth organisations and parents. "Best Enemies is a valuable tool within educational programs to help confront and educate on cyber safety," Darren Bark said.
Mayor of Griffith City Council, Mike Neville said that Griffith was happy to launch this film which confronts important issues. "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."
The Griffith screenings will include a panel discussion featuring Mike Neville, Ross Bark, Lee-Ann Simon (who stars as Rebecca in Best Enemies), Stephen Fry (DET Student Welfare Consultant) and Senior Constable Jane Keating (School Liaison Police).
For more information, visit the website.