NCJ Number
77012
Date Published
1980
Length
0 pages
Annotation
Suitable for primary, intermediate, and junior high school students, this animated film shows how a really 'nice kid' becomes a vandal, told from the point of view of his pet dog.
Abstract
In flashback, the audience sees how easily a person's irresponsible behavior can lead to vandalizing, what makes a person continue vandalizing, and how damaging someone's property affects the instigator as well as other people. The film suggests the power of peer pressure in vandalism and gives the audience some ideas about resisting pressure from their friends or older acquaintances. The dog shows an understanding of his owner's human nature and observes reasonably without passing 'heavy' judgment. Eventually, the boy learns his lesson on his own. He realizes that his irresponsible actions have endangered other people, destroyed his friendships with other boys, and cost the school (where he broke windows) and property owners a great deal of money and heartache. A viewing guide contains discussion questions. (Author abstract modified)