It's a growing problem in the country, that's only gotten worse with the internet.

Bullying is an important issue local education leaders are talking to kids about.

Here's speaker, Rick Heidt talking with 5th graders at Fort Lincoln elementary school in Mandan.

He's been speaking with hundreds of kids across the state to address the problem, and offer solutions.

Some kids here say it's something they see too much.

(Trevor Murphy/5th Grade) "It's happened to almost everyone in my class... Bullying is like picking on people, hurting people, doing anything that could be mean to anybody and everybody."


Trevor says he has been picked on... and physically beaten up.

Something Rick Heidt says "just isn't right" Heidt says bullying can also have long-term effects like depression, and suicide for the victim... or jail and abuse problems for the bully.

And cyber-bullying has only amplified the problem.

(Rick Heidt/F.R.I.E.N.D. Speaker) "It's getting so bad across the country, that it's actually causing a new term to be coined, and that is bully-cide... because kids get bullied, they get depressed and they choose suicide as a way to end all the problems they have."


Heidt says kids shouldn't fight back with bullies, but should stand up for themselves.

His advice: Have your child talk to someone in the school that they trust... emphasize high self esteem activities for your child... and don't let them blame themselves.

Also, encourage your kids to stay involved in school... and hang out with positive friends.

If parents have more questions, he suggests the website... www.stopbully.com. watch the video | save this article / add to your favorites list