SOMERSET COUNTY, Pa. -- In a setting where bullying can take over quickly, school administrators at Windber Elementary are trying to put a stop it before it starts.

The Highmark Foundation puts on the bullying prevention program in schools around the state, but the program itself is world-wide. The event is called P.R.I.D.E., which stands for Peers Respecting Individual Differences Everywhere. Students watch a video about the importance of acceptance and being a hero to others. They also hear from their principal and other adults, and watch skits showing them how to handle bullying.

Organizers said the program is working, and they have the evidence to back it up.

"This program differs from others," said Dr. Matt Masiello with the Windber Research Institute. "It's been around a long time. It's been studied and monitored. The data tells us this program works."

"The students will report on how much bullying they are experiencing themselves and how much they are participating in themselves," said Jane Riese, the director of training for the program.

The data shows that after the bullying prevention program, the number of bullying reports goes down. Officials with the Windber Research Institute said participating schools can see up to a 15 percent reduction in bullying reports.

However, the issue of bullying goes far beyond the school steps. Organizers said parents also need to be proactive by teaching children how to respect others and themselves.

Perhaps the biggest hurdle, though, is getting past the fear.

"Children are afraid to report being bullied," said Riese. "They are afraid there may be retaliation and that the school may not help."

That's why organizers said programs like P.R.I.D.E are so important, to let kids know they aren't alone. So far, it seems to be sinking in.

"I would tell the teacher and I wouldn't get in trouble," said 7-year-old Baylee Wojcik.

Of all the things the Windber students will learn in their life, the lesson of being kind to others will likely give them the greatest success of all.