My girls are in first and third grades.  Both are beautiful, social, kind and sincere.  Niether are being bullied but I know one day they will come face to face with that beast and so I prepare them, not only to stand against bullying but to not BE the bullies either.  It is our responsibility as parents to teach our kids about bullying and to NOT raise bullies.  This behavior starts in the home and I believe that parents should be aware of their children's social situations and standings.  Ask your kids how their day was when you pick them up from school or childcare.  Engage your children's friends and their parents.  Engage teachers and school administrators.  Teach your children to watch for the signs of a bully, and to stand up for themselves and others.  Teach them to be LEADERS not followers! there IS hope.