Jon Griffin was so impressed with his young daughter's work that he helped her present her plan to the Alameda School Board in St Luis County, which promptly approved the project for its students (K-5).

Kids and their supporters, including parents, teachers and other caregivers, will be invited to sign a pledge promising to put a stop to bullying. After signing, each participant is given a distinctive blue bracelet to wear around the school, symbolizing a commitment to stand up to offending kids.

"It entitles the kids to actually step in," her father said.

This past summer Randi Weingarden, President of the American Federation of Teachers which runs their own " See a Bully, Stop a Bully" campaign, noted that about 10% of kids bully and 10% of kids are victimized, but the vast majority, fully 80% of students, stand by when the bullying occurs, not wanting to get involved.

Isabella Griffin's program takes advantage of this group, because signing her pledge includes a promise to intercede and / or report bullying as it occurs.

According to Ms. Weingarden, about 13 million American children are bullied each year, pointing out that youngsters who bully should raise a red flag. Their action may be a cry for help.

She says ending peer-abuse and persecution will take 1) awareness, 2) education and 3) intervention strategies.

The School Board approved program in Isabella's area is starting up in early December, and they are still putting their materials together. We've joined their "Be a Buddy" Facebook page, saying that as soon as possible, we'll want the text they're using for the PLEDGE itself (and any related documents).

We believe this simple campaign can be easily duplicated around the country by schools that wish to create an environment of safety for students, and put an end to this peer-to-peer abuse.

Here's the link to their new web site: http://www.beabuddynotabully.org

Here's where to write for more info on the original project: bella.beabuddy@gmail.com