Peninsula School District families and community members are invited to an exclusive preview screening of "The Upstanders," followed by an expert panel discussion at 7 p.m. on Thursday, September 18, at Pioneer Elementary School. This is your first opportunity to preview the film that PSD middle and high school students will be watching during National Bullying Prevention Month in October.

Click here to reserve your spot.

About "The Upstanders"

This powerful 56-minute documentary is the third installment in an award-winning Mental Health Trilogy. The film delves deep into cyber-bullying, showing perspectives of those who bully, their victims, and the trauma experienced by bystanders. Woven throughout is the personal account of the Molak family's tragic loss that inspired new legislation - David's Law - to turn the tide against this epidemic. The film features true stories alongside the latest scientific and medical research, providing strategies to empower communities to stand up against bullying.

Event Schedule:

• 7 p.m.: "The Upstanders" film screening (56 minutes)

• Following film: Live expert panel discussion

• 8:45 p.m.: Inaugural showing of PSD's new Performance Drones

"The Upstanders" is both unsettling and uplifting, causing viewers to examine their own behavior and inspiring them to do better and stand up against victimization. The film features in-depth interviews with students, families affected by cyber-bullying-related tragedy, and world-renowned experts from prestigious institutions, including Stanford University and Child Mind Institute. The documentary explores the science behind cyber-bullying, warning signs to watch for, ways to support affected children, and how communities can show resilience to end bullying.

The pandemic has intensified cyber-bullying by creating an environment of isolation, anxiety, and increased screen time — making this conversation more crucial than ever for our families.

Expert Panelists:

• Dr. Lucas McIntyre - Founding Medical Director of MultiCare's Adolescent Partial Hospitalization Program

• Scilla Andreen - CEO and Founder of Impactful Networks and Filmmaker

• Dr. Sunny Cheng - Associate Professor, University of Washington Tacoma

• Paul Richins, MS - State Director, School and Community Advocacy for the Cook Center for Human Connection

Seating is limited! This preview screening provides parents and community members with the opportunity to engage with this critical content before students view it, thereby fostering meaningful family conversations about cyberbullying prevention. As filmmaker and CEO Scilla Andreen notes, "Today, with the quick push of a few buttons, bullies have the ability to persistently harass, humiliate, and degrade their peers 24/7" — making these discussions more vital than ever.

Come for the film, stay for the inaugural showing of PSD's new Performance Drones launching near 8:45 PM!