We are nearly on target on to make the film, i would like your views on….
what you would like to see on the film?
what topics?
where would you like it to be shown?
please feel free to add your comments below just by clicking in the comment section…
thankyou we hope to be filming by the end of this year ;)
Please feel free to add your comments and thoughts and il respond!
I admit that I am afraid of the bullying and teasing my son may experience as he gets older. He is in primary school and the kids are sweet to him for the most part but, he notices that he is different than the other kids. I do worry that I will have to pull him out of school when he gets older.
I do have a couple of recommendations related to the film.
1) Make certain that what you are calling bullying is actually bullying. I know my son with autism will sometimes say mean things when he is angry or upset. He is not bullying. I know kids sometimes tease others because they think it is funny. They are not necessarily bullying. Someone saying one mean thing for a reaction is not bullying. Do I get upset if another kids says something mean to my son. Sure, but I don’t cry “BULLYING” if it isn’t. I feel that same way about pulling out the hate crime card when it isn’t actually a hate crime. What happens when people overreact or pull out those emotionally charged words when they are upset is hurt their own campaign by making it easier for others to dismiss their concerns.
2) Do not let people in the film turn into bullies themselves. There is a little boy at my son’s school with pretty bad ADHD and I think anger issues. He can be mean and bully other children including my son. You know what I tell my son. I tell him to pray for him. I teach him to feel bad for him because of whatever is going on in his life that makes him act that way. Do I think some kids are genetically predisposed to fall into the roll of bully more than others, perhaps, just as autism runs in our family. But, I don’t think kids just turn into bully’s overnight. I don’t think that boy wants to take the role of a mean kid anymore than my son wants to have a meltdown in the middle of a store. Don’t get me wrong……I am NOT making an excuse! Let me say that again in case anyone missed it – THIS IS NOT ABOUT MAKING EXCUSES! But, what I am saying is that if we want compassion, understanding, mercy, love, acceptance, empathy, etc. that we should also be the type of people who offer it. If we define people and label them as evil, bad, stupid, terrible and as I have seen responses by people on your twitter feed an elsewhere – calling people cunts and all manner of horrific names then we are turning into the bullies. When my son meltsdown in public, I would prefer empathy and understanding because there is a reason. I believe, while of course, holding people accountable for their behavior and trying to fix the problem, we offer the same empathy and understanding. You know what would be a novel idea. Raising awareness about the bullying problem and trying not just condemn it but, help those who bully overcome the problems that led them to do it in the first place. Now, that would be a great film!
P.S. I was bullied a little bit in school so I am not speaking from a place where I haven’t experienced it. It hurt and made me feel less, insecure and outcast.
“Kevin’s work in the area of raising awareness of autism bullying is unparalleled. As a tireless campaigner he is truly inspiring and I can’t wait to participate in his film. This needs to get made and get the message out that bullying and trolling will NOT be tolerated.” Dr Pam Spurrs
thanks pam x
I am very excited about the forthcoming autism anti bullying campaign documentary. Kevin has worked so hard to achieve this and is a true inspiration. As a mother to a little boy with ASD his campaign is very close to my heart as my little boy will grow to be a beautiful young man and I worry about his future. He will be so very vulnerable.
I think that the film should be shown EVERWHERE at all possible. But most importantly in school. We have to educate our youngest in society so that real change can happen.
Thankyou Jo
Bullying is a disease that needs a cure, desperately ! With Kevin’s forthcoming anti bullying documentary I hope a message will go out that bullying is not acceptable in society. The damage it causes to peoples lives can be devastating and affect individuals permanently, and in some cases leading to the tragic lose of life !
I have spent the last 7 years working in schools trying to educate youngsters that bullying is unacceptable, as I believe most bullying begins in the school years. If we can help beat it here then we can make a difference, so would be great to see this documentary go out to all schools.
Proud to be part of this and hope to make a difference.
thanks dave!
I am proud to be involved with this campaign and was honoured when Kevin Healey first asked me to get involved.
Bullying in ANY form is unacceptable and can destroy people’s lives. It annoys me that the bullies always appear to get away with bullying too.
Not everyone is strong enough to stand up to the bullies for various reasons and this is not a form of weakness to not have the strength.
I am glad this film is being made and very proud that I will be taking part in it. I just hope it will help more people understand why we are backing this campaign for the vulnerable individuals who suffer with autism and autistic related conditions.
We need to make everyone aware in order for more people to support this worthy cause and fight for those who cannot do it themselves.
Remember, bullies are cowards who enjoy the power trip they have over those they choose to bully. Lets try and stamp it out for good!
Support Kevin’s Autism Bullying Campaign and spread the word – I am!
thanks you dawn x
Greater emphasis on how bullying affects our children differently than NT kids. My son is still to traumatized to even leave his own home in fear that he’ll see them in passing. Passed this group of kids the other week whilst we were on a bus (kids were not on the bus) and still he duck down as low as he could in his seat in fear they would see him. x
thanks julie we will try and cover everything in the documentary
hi Kevin as you know I run Campaign disability awareness lessons would you be able to mention about their needs to be more education on autism in mainstream schools to be a great factor in stopping the ignorance towards the disabled and the hate crimes
thanks sharon we will try and cover most things in the film
Hi Kevin
Been a good few weeks now since i last appeared on twitter, But as you know bringing up a child can throw its difficulties your way. But for most bringing up a Autistic child the slightest everyday difficulties then Magnify beyond some of your wildest dreams.
So now take a minute & realize if these menial everyday difficulties that NT children & adults come across, intensify that by 10 fold in Autistic Individuals think what happens to there minds once they are confronted by these Cruel,Selfish,Hurtful,Callous Online Bullies that can only hide behind there Laptops, Computers & Mobile Phones to throw out Hatred from there Sad & Pitiful Lives.
As Kevin experiences all of this daily & yet still refuses to step down from these Bullies. So the Anti Bullying Documentary is a Testament to the Guys Strength,Courage & Determination to keep on pushing forward until the final goal is met not just Nationally but also Internationally. This Documentary needs to be shown in all schools across the country, So that the younger Generation can see first hand what Impact Bullying as not just When its happening to the Individual, But also after they go home & for many,many years down the line into adulthood. Keep up the fantastic work Kevin & as the old saying goes ONWARDS & UPWARDS!!!!!!!!!
Brett Turner
great to hear from you brett!