Imagine being socially rejected by peers for something out of your control, whether it is where you come from, who you like, or what you look like.

Unfortunately, social rejection is the harsh reality of many adolescents across the nation.

The effects of social rejection are not only depression and low self-esteem but also insomnia and a decrease in the immune system defenses. The ostracism and isolation from a teen’s peers has intense emotional ramifications, such as contemplating the act of and/or committing suicide.

These affected teens rarely understand how to cope with the exclusion.

Social rejection is often the result of bullying by peers, the focal point of the documentary “Bully.”

The movie focuses on five families of different backgrounds from a variety of regions that all face the same situation: their children are victims of extreme harassment.

Bullying has been a widespread problem and garners national attention through news and social media.  However, it is evident from these five stories that the problem has not been solved.

“It is our nature to want to do the right thing,” said Mark Hyatt, the CEO of the Character Education Partnership which hosted a screening of “Bully” in Bethesda April 20, “but there are still hesitations and concerns about how to go about it. Thinking the right action in your head is one thing, but following through in a real-life situation is another. We need to empower students so that they feel comfortable stepping up.”

“Bully” directors did not focus their attention on the improvements that school administrators and districts can make. Instead, the movie shed light on the weak disciplinary action that is given to bullies for their actions, including a moment where a school principal asked the harasser and victim to shake hands to restore peace.

There were no warnings, phone calls home, or trips to the principal’s office, just a handshake.

“The administrator knew she messed up,” said Hyatt. “Being a former school administrator myself, I can personally relate to her dilemma of how to deal with the problem. The important thing is that we learn and grow from our mistakes to create a positive social climate in our nation’s schools.”

According to Hyatt, “Bully” utilizes a fresh approach to address an age old problem by emphasizing the vital role parents play and power of peer pressure in the actions of bullying.

“I spent a thousand dollars on the screening because I knew that this movie would be a game changer in the fight against bullying,” said Hyatt. “The movie seems so real and is very easy to relate to. We have all been bullied, bullied others, or witnessed someone bullying. All of these roles are exposed over the course of the film and it strikes a chord emotionally. After the screening we received a lot of great feedback about wanting to get involved with the solution. That is what makes this movie different.”

Peer pressure affects the teenage mind. In the case of bullying, it often puts pressure on witnesses of bullying to keep silent or encourage them torment.

“Peer pressure is huge,” said Hyatt. “It is a significant part of the problem. Parents play an important role in teaching kids what is right and what is wrong. However, knowing what the right solution is does not ensure that they will actually follow through.

Hyatt believes parents are a key component to the solution.

“I suggest that parents role play and act out scenarios of bullying where it is necessary for kids to step in,” said Hyatt. “Thinking the right action is one thing, but actually saying it aloud increases the chance that in a real bullying situation the right decision will be made.”

The Character Education Partnership believes that this movie will change the manner in which society handles bullying.

“Our hope as an organization is to raise awareness and get the word out,” said Hyatt. “We must create a good culture and start the dialogue that is necessary to minimize and hopefully eradicate bullying once and for all. We need to dig deeper into the issue of bullying. We have only scratched the surface.”

More information on The Bully Project can be found on www.thebullyproject.com.