Northern Ireland

Almost 300 children from north contacted Childline about bullying

Childline counselled almost 300 children in the north about bullying last year
Childline counselled almost 300 children in the north about bullying last year Childline counselled almost 300 children in the north about bullying last year
By Claire Simpson

ALMOST 300 children from the north contacted Childline last year about bullying and cyberbullying.

Helpline volunteers counselled 291 children about the problem, but the charity said the true number is likely to be higher because the country of origin of several hundred calls was not given.

The cases ranged from name-calling and spreading rumours to death threats and blackmail posted publicly online.

The NSPCC has called on the British government to draw up laws which require all social media sites to protect children from cyberbullying and other online abuse.

Dame Esther Rantzen, president of Childline, said the use of mobile phones and social media has made it easier for bullies to pursue their victims.

"Whether bullying occurs online or in person it can have a devastating impact on a young person, destroying their confidence and leaving them isolated and vulnerable," she said.