TEEN TRUTH in Murrieta

September 2nd, 2010

Bullying can come in many forms, according to a 20-minute film being shown to high school students in the Murrieta Valley Unified School District this week.

The documentary “Teen Truth Live” is a glimpse into the causes of school violence and how teens deal with pressure from parents, teachers and peers. It points out that bullying can include spreading rumors and intimidation, and that these types of bullying can create anger in students who do not feel accepted by peers. This can lead to physical violence and in extreme cases, killing.

The film states that in a 14-year period, 151 students and 31 teachers have been killed as a result of school violence.

JC Pohl, one of the producers of the film, was at Murrieta Valley High School on Wednesday to encourage students to take a stand against bullying.

“Studies have shown it only takes one person to take a stand, but we are so afraid to engage. But if one person does it, then it can bring change,” Pohl said to the students.

Pohl and a college classmate of his, Erahm Christopher, were in their last year of college when the shooting at Columbine High School in Colorado took place on April 20, 1999. He said it forced them to look back at their own high school experiences and ask the question, “Why?”

Footage of the shootings at Columbine High School and Santana High School are shown in the film, as well as clips from five high school students who were given cameras for one year and asked to explore the topic of bullying on their own high school campuses. The result was “Teen Truth Live.” Since 2006, the film has blossomed into a national movement, with Pohl and his team traveling to schools in the U.S. and Canada, sharing the message.
San Diego:

Murrieta Valley High School students pledge to make a stand against school bullying. (Maggie Avants/SWRNN)

Following the film, Pohl asked for three students to make a stand.

Katelyn Musgrove, a 14-year-old freshman, stood in front of the student body, saying she would volunteer.

“If I see someone alone, I will invite them into my group,” Katelyn said.

“(The film) made me understand how people feel left out. I think I have felt that way sometimes. I feel bad for people that sit alone,” she said.

Many others stood, pledging to reach out to others. Students were encouraged to seek help from counselors, and to report those who they may believe have been affected by bullying.

“Teen Truth Live” will be shown Thursday at Murrieta Mesa High School and Friday at Vista Murrieta High School.

To learn more about “Teen Truth Live,” visit teentruthlive.com or search it on Facebook.

Funds to bring the film to students are from the Associated Student Body account, according to Murrieta Valley High School Activities Director Geniel Moon. It was the second year the school hosted the film, she said. Freshman and some sophomores were invited to watch it.

“If we reach one, we’ve done our job,” Moon said.

Written by: Maggie Avants
Published by: Southwest Riverside News Network, LLC
Photos by: Maggie Avants
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