Words can hurt. “Cyberbully” does an effective job demonstrating this truth. Teen girl Taylor (Emily Osment) is a normal high school student who has friends and plans to be a journalist one day. She is close friends with Samantha (Kay Panabaker) and Cheyenne (Meaghan Rath), but this friendship is soon challenged. A girl named Lindsay takes to bullying Taylor online; a new online friend “James” suddenly begins making false sexual accusations, and just like that Taylor is the focus of unwanted attention. Taylor’s friends, fearful of being targets of bullying as well, begin to take a step back. James is discovered to be an invented profile which begs the question, “Who would do such a thing?”

Taylor attempts suicide, which prompts her mother to push getting an anti-cyberbullying law passed in the state. There are obstacles to overcome and a few surprises along the way, but the conclusion should satisfy viewers. Although sexual innuendos and comments are made, as well as use of some bad language, it is done in the context that name-calling and false statements hurt people. Nothing is overly graphic. The movie states at the end that 34 states now have anti-cyberbullying laws. This movie can be a powerful tool to teach the painful effect of words if they are not chosen carefully. We award “Cyberbully” our Dove Family-Approved Seal for ages twelve plus. For anyone who has ever been taunted, this film is for you.