INDIANAPOLIS -- Bullying is a growing problem in schools, and experts contend schools have to do more to curb the epidemic.

Midwest Bullying Prevention Project in Ft. Wayne trains teachers to identify the problem, which afflicts one in five children, 6News' Stacia Matthews reported.

Bill Voors, director of the project, said intervention should begin in kindergarten and should be taught through the school years.

"When we reach children at a young age, we teach them tolerance. We teach them respect for diversity, and we're helping kids behave better in school," said Voors.

Studies indicated that a child who bullies in the second grade is more likely to commit a crime by age 24. The negative behavior can also lead to domestic violence and abuse later in life.

A child who is the target of harassment may eventually develop depression and social anxiety, which means being uncomfortable around peers.

"Bullying affects people in their adult lives more than we think. Some people don't get over it," Voors said.

Experts agree that the issue has to be reported, regardless of whether it happens in grade school, in college or in the workplace. Voors urges victims to be relentless.

"Bullying isn't child's play. You need to be persistent," he said. "Indiana has strong laws. You need to use them."