Authorities are handing out 30,000 booklets to schoolchildren to offer help on bullying.

In the first such initiative of its kind, Sutton Council and the police are targeting internet bullies and are hoping the leaflet will encourage more discussion between victims and parents.

The 20,000 booklets for pupils at secondary schools and 10,000 to older children at primary schools are to be used as a teaching aid during Anti-Bullying Week The Future Safe, Fun and Connected which runs from 18-22 November.

Both booklets contain a typical example of cyber-bullying, which arises from text and pictures being sent via the internet and any time of the day, and also calls on children under 13 not being allowed to have their own facebook page.

Chief Inspector Nick Collins, who manages Safer Neighbourhoods policing in Sutton, said: "We are concerned at the number of reports of cyber-bullying coming to our attention and we are keen to work with Sutton Council to make children and parents more aware of the issues.

Many parents may be unaware just how many devices can be used to connect to the internet and may be surprised just how easy it is for their children to share text and pictures - sometimes of themselves."

Jenny Rowley, Education Safeguarding and Wellbeing Lead, London Borough of Sutton, said: "The booklets are an important source of information to help children and young people be more safe aware when using the internet and of the simple steps parents can take to prevent their children becoming victims of cyber-bullying."

The issues touched on in each of the booklets are also scenarios at the Sutton Life Centre, which is an interactive educational facility geared to addressing issues of real concern to children in a way that will help them be safe.

 

TODAY'S TOP SUTTON STORIES