Each day more than 160,000 U.S. children stay home from school because they fear being bullied. Kids were once asked to accept and endure this treatment. But no longer. Children and adults are now taking a stand during National Bullying Prevention Month to end this form of harassment.

Most of today's parents and educators grew up in a different world when it comes to bullying. Now, in addition to physical, emotional, and verbal attacks, cyberbullying has spread to the Web and social media. Sexual bullying -- which includes harassment related to gender and orientation, or inappropriate contact -- is becoming an increasing problem.

Regardless of what form it takes, it's up to everyone to stand up against bullying. Here are five tips from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services' Stop Bullying website that encourages children and adults to “Be More Than a Bystander.”

Be their friend: Children can help someone who's been bullied by simply being nice to them at another time. Being friendly can go a long way toward letting them know that they're not alone.

Tell a trusted adult: An adult can help stop bullying by intervening while it's in progress, stopping it from occurring or simply giving the person being bullied a shoulder to lean on.

Help them get away: There are a few simple, safe ways children can help the person being bullied get away from the situation. However they do it, make sure the child knows not to put themselves in harm's way.

Don't give bullying an audience: If a child knows not to bully others, then other students will follow their example. To help even more, children can actively participate in anti-bullying activities and projects.

Set a good example: If one of your child's friends or peers begins to bully someone, they shouldn't encourage the behavior by giving it an audience. Instead of laughing or supporting it, they can let the bully know that such behavior isn't entertaining.

Concerned parents and students can learn more about bullying prevention by visiting the resources below.

• Stop Bullying Blog – Kids
• PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center
• Facebook's Prevent Bullying page
• Connect Safely.org -- Safety tips and advice and online safety resources
• GLSEN Anti-Bullying Resources
• It Gets Better Project

On April 20, Nebraska young people paused for seven seconds of silence. These students and young adults were illustrating the fact that every seven seconds someone in our country is bullied. Together, 61,709 students and youth in communities across Nebraska made a personal pledge to fight bullying and stand up for those who are bullied.