Is Bullying a Big Problem at Local Schools?

Bullying in the Tri-Valley has received a lot of local attention lately, with NBC Bay Area recently telling the story of David Schmitz, who was pushed in front of a car after school in Pleasanton two years ago.

(Related: You can read Patch's 2010 story on David by clicking this link)

Schools at all levels have stepped up their efforts to end bullying of students.

At Fallon Middle School in Dublin this week, they are having activities every day to raise awareness about bullying and making clear to students that it needs to end.

The week is being called "No Name-Calling Week" at Fallon. Students are writing kindness cards to each other and signing a pledge to not bully fellow students. On Wednesday, students and teachers were asked to wear all black to "Black Out Bullying."

Do you believe bullying in the Tri-Valley is a serious problem? Do you have ideas on how to end it? Are local school districts responding responsibly? Tell us in the comments section.