LAUSD See Screening of Documentary on Bullying

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How hard is it to pack 6,500 students into the Nokia Theater at LA Live?

That questions was answered today.

The LA Fund for Public Education partnered with other organizations to screen the award winning documentary 'Bully' to students, teachers and principals from Middle and High schools across LAUSD.

Some estimate that as many as 13 million students are bullied each day.

LAUSD officials were unable to comment but Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa hopes this screening will promote students to take action against bullying.

"That's why we're partnering with the fund, to really show this to kids. To remind them that we've got to say no to bullying. We have to report it. We've got to take it seriously."

The documentary recently faced controversy regarding its rating.

Originally the Motion Picture Association of America gave the film an 'R' rating due to excessive use of harsh language.

The filmmakers slightly re-edited 'Bully' in order to earn a PG-13 rating so the film could reach more Middle and High School students.

The Mayor believes having 'Bully' reach a large audience is essential

"And to be able to see this important documentary, I got to see it last night and I can tell you it's powerful. As a father, as someone who operates schools, as someone who is committed to protecting our kids, this is an opportunity for people to realize that there are 13 million kids who are bullied. That's 13 million too many."

After the screening, LAUSD students and faculty participated in a Town Hall meeting to empower students to create and expand anti-bullying programs in their schools, and hopefully bring an end to the torment some students face.