Problems with the movie...

I understand that it's a made-for-TV movie and such and so quality wise, wasn't expecting much and for what it is, found it to be enjoyable.

However, I kept thinking of a couple of things during the movie. First off, on many popular networking sites, you can control who can write on your wall or who can reply to your status (or at least delete stuff). I've been cyber bullied before (before it became a well known problem) and the tools weren't available back then that are available now. Had they been, I simply would have deleted unwelcome comments and such made where I have control. Many sites also have policies against such behavior and it's a matter of reporting the content or contacting the staff of the site in regards to the issue. Yes, most teenagers wouldn't think of going to that extreme, but it's an option. At the very least, her mom could have tried and could have likely gotten the other accounts closed down or at least temporarily suspended or something, with the account users being warned to abide by the policies or lose their accounts. Many sites don't want to become known as a place have bashfests, because it can drive away advertising and thus, revenue.

Also, I understand that Lindsay's dad is going to protect his daughter, but he was an obvious hypocrite. One mention of the possibility that his daughter made a fake account and such, he's talking about suing for slander. However, when it's pointed out to him that his daughter was referring to Taylor as things like slut, etc (which is defamation of character), it's suddenly freedom of speech. Get a recording of a conversation exactly like that and any decent lawyer would have a field day suing a little brat like that. Let the dad argue freedom of speech, but once that recording of his talking about suing for slander is played, the credibility of his arguments will go right out the window. A good lawyer would be able to dress it up perfectly as, "Oh so if anyone says something bad about your daughter, it's violating her rights and you'll sue, but if she does it to someone else, it's freedom of speech?"

The way they did the principal was disappointing at best. For years (ie, before this was made), at the very least, schools could easily brought in everyone concerned (ie, involved students and their parents) to make sure the matter is out in the open, even if they couldn't use any disciplinary actions against the students. Not saying they would have, but they could have. The principal in this was a joke, since he didn't even offer to discuss it with the parents of the other students. The bullying also continued on school grounds and so it was their problem, despite his acting like his hands are tied.

Don't even get me started on the officer she spoke with. Harassment is harassment, no matter the form. But let's say, for arguments sake, that it being online was a loophole. Officers are supposed to protect and to serve. A detective knocking at the door and discussing it directly with the kid and parent has a way of getting some people to straighten up. Doesn't mean they'll become angels, but at the very least, in this case, Lindsay would have known that she's walking close to crossing the line into criminal behavior and could go to jail for it. Mind you, that would be if it were the real world. Since it would take solid proof to be able to say it was her and not someone pretending to be her, obviously they wouldn't be able to just look at what was said and arrest her on the spur of the moment.

They should make another movie, but make it as a documentary, where it shows a few real life victims of cyberbullying, where the victims ended up committing suicide. Provide information on how the bullies were in real life to the victims and other stuff. Be sure to show high quality picture of the bullies and give last known locations for them (not addresses, just city/town information). Call me a vengeful mofo, but I'd like to see how they feel about being on the receiving end of some hatred. Also, if other bullies were to learn what can happen to them, then it could potentially prevent some instances of bullying, because some won't want to risk it. Others, of course, would either not care or might not realize they are being a bully.

Of course, the best thing about this movie was Kay Panabaker. She's always a pleasure to watch. :)