SPECIAL REPORT: Bullying

Augusta, GA -- Some parents don't know how to deal with it, or they don't even know their child is dealing with a bully. So, we talked with a brave young man who was bullied. He says he hopes his story will empower and help others.

You see it in the movies, or on television, but sceranrios like this one are becoming all too common.

Sam Jebens, from Edgefield, South Carolina knows all about it...

Sam Jebens, Edgefield, SC: "I would tell teachers, and of course, that also earned me the nickname 'Snitch.'"

Sam and his parents moved from San Diego to Edgefield, a few years ago. He tells us the bullying began in sixth grade. Sam remembers the day when a bully pulled his pants down in front of classmates.

Sam: "Like most bullies, they picked on someone from out of place. I became a target."

Recently, Sam was suspended because he decided to take matters into his own hands.

Sam: "Someone had been digging around my stuff, and when I tried to get it back, I hit him and I ended up getting suspended for a few days and that made me feel like I did something wrong, even through from what I'm being told, I was doing the right thing."

Sam says he wished, for days, that the bullying would stop. Just this year, two youngsters committed suicide after being bullied over and over at school.

Doctor Adrienne Davis is a licensed psychologist. She says bullying is all about power.

Doctor Adrienne Davis, Evans, GA psychologist: "It's a way of feeling dominate, it's a way of feeling powerful, and a way of controlling and intimidating a person who you believe is less powerful than you are."

Numerous attempts were made by Sam's parents to get intervention from school administrators. About 16 pages of e-mails and correspondence were sent. The family got some responses, but are still awaiting for more action. Sam went to his parents for help, but what if your child was afraid to tell you they are being bullied? Could you spot the signs?

Dr. Davis: "Any changes in your child's behavior, with respect to enjoying going to school and being around friends, and getting up in the morning to go to school. If you have a child that becomes withdrawn and starts having difficulty sleeping is nervous worried or fearful about going to school that can right to physical symptoms."

Sam says his father started to role play with him at home to help him deal with unwanted confrontations. He offers a word of advice for bullying victims.

Sam: "Stay strong, 'cause for me, the bullying that happened to me, I believe has strengthened me and will help me out in life. It will make me a stronger person."

Dr. Adrienne Davis will answer questions about bullying, during the 5 pm, 5:30 pm, and 6:00 pm newscasts. You can send your questions to talkback6@wjbf.com, until the 6:00 pm newscast, when she will apprear during that newscast live to answer your questions. Those questions and answers can be viewed below:

Expert Answers Viewer Questions About Bullying - Part 1

Expert Answers Viewer Questions About Bullying - Part 2

Expert Answers Viewer Questions About Bullying - Part 3