The free Bully-Proof workshop to learn what to do and say when other girls are mean was held Monday at Woodrow Wilson Middle School.

The district says friends are so important, and at this workshop, girls discovered how to deal with problem areas that can divide loyalties.

The girls admit getting along can be difficult at times. "Sometimes I see people getting pushed," said Jessica Sidzyik, a student at Franklin Elementary.

"Your friend is not a good friend if they want you to change to be like them, or if they gossip about you or all that kind of stuff," said Anna Larson, also a student at Franklin.

The Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa, along with the organization called, "A Way Through" want the girls to learn how to be "bully proof."

The workshop features role playing, especially what to do in uncomfortable situations with other girls.

"Today I'm learning how to stop bullies from getting to my head, and not letting them treat me how they treat me," said Sidzyik.

The workshop also wants to make sure girls aren't being one to others.

Maddy Mathison knows she's done it a few times, but she doesn't like the way she feels after. "Not very well, I just kind of look down on myself when I do that."

Blair Wagner started the program after her daughter was bullied in the third grade. "It got so bad, the bullying, that finally one night, my daughter looked at me when I tucked her in bed, and she said, 'Mom, I'm going to pray for God to take me away,'" Wagner said, putting a hand to her chest. "It's still hard for me to think about it after all these years."

That sparked something inside her, and she started the workshops for young girls to learn empowering behaviors.

It's paying off. "Learning that it's ok to be yourself and not change," said Mathison, when asked what her favor part of the workshop was.

"A Way Through" also addresses what parents should do in these situations. Wagner says their main role is to be a coach behind the scenes, not to solve their children's problems.

For more information, and a free audio workshop for parents, click here.

By the way, Wagner's daughter is now a sophomore in high school, and she says she's very happy with her friendships.