Bullying is in the news. Recent tragic deaths serve to emphasize the seriousness of the problem in schools. A new documentary by Lee Hirsch out in theaters on March 30, encourages parents, students and educators to join The Bully Project and make a difference. It shows bullying over the course of a year. The film is "R" rated, difficult to watch and not suitable for elementary school children.

But the problem does exist in elementary schools. And this is the optimum time to reach children and initiate prevention. It often starts with teasing. Good self-esteem and decisions are keys to success in early childhood. Children need the tools to deal with teasing and bullying. Kid Scoop activity pages on Teasing provide the answers a child can understand and use. Help us create an environment for our children where bullying is not acceptable on any level.

5 ANT-BULLYING TIPS

1. Stay away from people who bully. If a person who is bullying you won't stay away from you, IGNORE and WALK AWAY from that person.
2. Tell someone if you are being bullied.
3. Avoid places where kids who bully you can be found. Walk to school earlier or later. Take different paths to school. Stay within sight of teachers and grownups.
4. Make friends. Hang out with friends. Kids who are alone tend to get picked on more. Look around your school. You are probably not the only kid being picked on. Maybe you can help another child by becoming friends.
5. Project confidence. Slouching, looking at the ground or your feet, and fidgeting makes it look like you're not sure of yourself. Hold your head up and stand up straight. Look confident!

The documentary states "13 million kids will be bullied in American schools this year."

President Obama is behind an initiative to increase awareness and prevention. He says, "Bullying is not a rite of passage or a harmless part of growing up. It's wrong."

TAKE A STAND, LEND A HAND. STOP BULLYING NOW.