School bullies turn to text messaging

A quarter of secondary school children have been threatened with violence via computers or mobile phone text messages, it is claimed today.

Children's charity NCH is now asking the Government to give youngsters more help in dealing with the problem.

In one example uncovered by the charity, a 15-year-old boy who gave his mobile number to an internet chat room received the message: "I know your school. I'm going to beat you. Hurt you. Disfigure you."

Of the 856 people aged 11-19 questioned by researchers, 16per cent had received threatening text messages, seven per cent had been harassed in internet chat rooms and four per cent by email.

However, 29per cent suffered in silence and told no one. The charity wants young people to be taught to deal with bullying and for parents and teachers to become more aware of the problem. Nearly half of children aged seven to 16 own a mobile.