BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- It happens every day, from the classroom to the playground: school bullying.

"When I was younger I was bullied, it made me feel really sad and hurt," said Carrie Supsey, 6th grader at Buena Vista Elementary.

Research shows almost 30 percent of youth in the United States are estimated to be involved in bullying as either a bully, a target of of bullying, or both.

Schools within the Panama Buena Vista Union school district are taking steps by putting the stop to bullying by observing "SAVE Today, Stop America's Violence Everywhere," on Wednesday.

The "SAVE" program was created by the organization American Medical Association Alliance in 1995 to combat violence and bullying in schools.

Schools nationwide have adopted the program and apply its principles to their daily curriculum.

"Bullying can be very damaging, and bullying can just be words. Words that can really hurt feelings and make kids not want to come to school and we need them here. We need them learning. We need them in a positive safe environment," said Buena Vista Elementary principal Brandie Haining.

At Buena Vista Elementary Wednesday, students held an assembly inviting community leaders to talk about ways they can work together to end bullying once and for all.

It was also a chance for community leaders to let students know they are not alone in this fight.

"I think if we constantly put in front of them the positive, and the meaning of positive, the meaning of love and caring and to help them understand to be kind and care for others, that would make a big difference," said Bakersfield Mayor Harvey Hall.

Even though students observed this program Wednesday, Haining said they are reminded every day to be kind and respect others around them.