Bullying: it is a problem that leads to low self-esteem, poor school performance and even suicide.

It's happening on playgrounds, in schools and at bus stops across the country. When it happens at school, teachers can intervene. When it happens on the bus, the driver is supposed to take care of it.

But after the bus drives away, neither the school district nor the bus company can be blamed if a child is bullied or picked on.

Babysitter Jane Slepitis said she has seen it happen.

"One girl was taken behind over here -- out of sight of parents and everything-- and was beaten to a pulp," said Slepitis.

According to Slepitis, the bullies were taking advantage of no adult supervision. She said she stops it when she sees it, but she isn't always there.

"[The girl] went home, all bruised up, and mom says, 'I’m mad. I’m going to go to the school.’ She never does," said Slepitis.

That's the problem, said counselor Scott Aber. Parents need to take action if they say they are gong to.

“Take your child's side. Don't think, 'Oh, they're just making this up.' Believe them," said Aber.

The problem, according to Sleptis, is many parents aren't proactive enough.

"They said, ‘[the kids] are supposed to tell the teacher or the principal,’ and the parent thinks it's been done," she said.

But the child does not go to the teacher for one big reason.

“Because the kid is afraid," Slepitis said.

It all comes down to the fear of retribution, according to Aber. He said the bully often threatens that if the children tell, they will be beaten up even worse.

So if you think your child might be a bully's victim, here are some things you need to know: look for warning signs.

"If your child is tearful, withdrawn, if grades suddenly change," said Aber.

Then, do what you can to stop it.

"If you can find out who the bullies are, contact the bully's parents. Parents should not confront a bully themselves," Aber said.

But if the bully's parents don't cooperate, he said a parent should go to school officials, the teacher, administrator or – as a last resort – the police.

Slepitis had another idea.

"I called the school and made a suggestion. They should have volunteer parents come out here and watch these kids so this doesn’t happen," she said.

Slepitis babysits several kids who live in the neighborhood. She tried to put us in contact with one of the parents dealing with the bullying, but they declined to talk to us.

Aber said the bottom line is this: it is a parent’s responsibility to either be at the bus stop or send someone there to protect your kids.