Bullying has been going on for generations in our country, a regular school occurrence that probably predates jungle gyms and recess.

It doesn’t change the fact; however, that bullying is a problem that shouldn’t go overlooked.

Parents need to do their part and talk to their kids about the dangers of bullying and that it shouldn’t be tolerated, whether their kids are the ones being bullied or the ones doing it.

Students then need to refrain from the practice and step up and report it when it happens to them.

In addition, school staff members need to put programs in place to minimize the problem as much as possible.

So far, they seem to be on the right track.

Austin educators are teaching students about the effects of bullying through the “Steps to Respect” program, which begins in third grade and continues through elementary school.

The 10-week system begins with teaching how to identify bulling and how to “recognize, refuse and report,” such behavior.

Bullying should not be tolerated and can be a dangerous problem if it’s not handled quickly and appropriately.

The solution must be a team effort between the parents, their students and the school teachers and administrators.

If that happens, Austin’s schools will simply be that much better.