More than 20,000 schoolchildren have pledged to Be a Buddy not a Bully in our campaign to stamp out bullying in North-East schools.
The youngsters come from 60 different schools in the region and all have pledged to help create a happy and caring learning environment.
Endorsed by leading figures such as Tony Blair and Education Minister Estelle Morris, the campaign has also gained the support of local education experts, parents, teachers and politicians.
Dr Val Besag, a former teacher and educational psychologist from Jesmond, Newcastle, who is now recognised as one of the world's leading experts on bullying, yesterday praised The Journal's campaign.
She said: "The Journal has pulled people together in talking about bullying and sharing ideas.
"Instead of a negative campaign which makes people very defensive, the campaign has encouraged schools across the North-East to work as one. I want to thank The Journal for the role it has played."
At Ebchester C of E Primary School in County Durham, children as young as four are being trained to be buddies.
Launching one of the country's first "mini-buds" scheme, even the youngest child in the school is taught about the importance of caring for others.
Headteacher Richard Coombs said the aim was to create a "child-centred" school, giving the pupils responsibilities and a say in how the school is run.
"I'm a firm believer in the concept that a school belongs to the children," he said.
"The responsibility of being a buddy - looking out for the younger children, picking someone up when they fall down and reporting back to the teachers - not only gives them confidence but also teaches them respect for and tolerance of others.
"It's an extremely important lesson to learn."
At Biddick School and Sports College in Biddick Lane, Washington, pupils have been finding out more about bullying in their school through videos, discussions and asking fellow pupils what they think.
Headteacher Margaret Hedley said: "The children have to cover the topic of bullying as part of the National Curriculum, but telling them about The Journal campaign has really spurred them on and they're really enthusiastic about the whole thing."
The pupil's forum at Bellingham County Middle School in Hexham has come up with an innovative way to help fellow students who are being bullied.
It has introduced a Buddy Box, where children who are feeling vulnerable, bullied or alone can post their name. They will then be paired up with a buddy to help them through their problems.
Headteacher Susan Dowson is delighted with the children's enthusiasm to get involved with The Journal campaign. She said: "They have really taken this on board.
"The campaign is really helping us to be pro-active, rather than reactive, and has allowed us to introduce positive things, like the buddy box, into everyday school life."
At King Edward Primary School, in North Shields, mums and dads have teamed up with teachers and governors to help re-launch the school's anti-bullying policy and look at new ways of tackling the problem.
Headteacher Nina Brown said: "Our slogan is that we are a `telling' school - openness is essential.
"Bullying happens everywhere, all through life, and by helping our children to cope at this early stage as well as to understand that they don't have to put up with bullying is a good start."
* The Be a Buddy not a Bully campaign has been so successful we intend to re-launch it in September.
* Any school who has not yet signed up and taken part or any teachers who wish to sign up again with their new classes can contact us on (0191) 201-6290.
Northumberland