It's no secret that bullying has been identified as a problem in schools across the country and here in Springfield. Now, students are hoping to bring about change by showing how damaging it can be.

A group of Commerce High students is taking a stand against bullying. They produced two videos to show examples of bullying and what it can do to the victims.

Commerce High Senior Eddie Gonzalez says, "We didn't dance around the truth. I mean, hey, bullying happens in the schools and there is no way we can hide it. The best thing we can do is just take initiative and stand up against it."

This week Springfield Public Schools launched a district-wide bullying prevention initiative.

The effort was started by Antonette Pepe.

It's also supported by Sirdeaner Walker. Walker's 11 year old son hanged himself after he says he was bullied at school.

Commerce High student Forrest Evans knows first hand the emotional toll bullies take on their victims.

Evans says, "There were sometimes when I couldn't even go to school because I was so upset. But eventually I just learned to not deal with it and to just pretty much ignore it and it would go away."

The students used personal experience to show others how to stand up for themselves.

Commerce High Student Corissa Shular says, "Confront the bully about it and ask them why they did that and let them know that it's not right for them to do that."

Students also say the video isn't just for victims, it's also a message for the bullies themselves.

Gonzalez says, "It was definitely a message for some of the bullies. I find that really if they see the damage that they are doing to those individuals that they have been picking on forever then possibly who knows. You know, their ways may change and they may actually see the impact that they have on their lives."

Commerce High Student Gary Boyd says, "If you're a bully think twice about what your doing, definitely. And stop what you're doing because it's not right, period."

This week all Springfield students will be shown the videos.

There's one for high schoolers and another for elementary age students