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More falling prey to cyber-bullying
Last updated at 20:22pm on 21.03.07
Bullying of girls using new technology such as text messaging or email is increasing
More than one in every eight children has been bullied by email or text message, psychologists have claimed.
The phenomenon - dubbed 'cyber-bullying' - is becoming more common, with girls most likely to be targeted.
A five-year survey of almost 15,227 children aged 11 to 13 found a steady increase in the number receiving nasty or threatening emails and texts.
Twenty-one per cent of girls were victims of cyber-bullying last year, while ten per cent of boys were victimised.
Fifteen per cent of pupils reported suffering harassment via text or the Internet.
The survey was carried out by psychologists Nathalie Noret of York St John University College and Ian Rivers, of Queen Margaret University College in Edinburgh.
Psychology lecturer Miss Noret said parents must realise that bullying has evolved.
"Most interventions in schools are based on the assumption that bullying is physical or occurs face-to-face," she said.
"Teachers and parents need to realise that a child's mobile phone or computer isn't just a communication tool - it's also a way for a bully to reach children in their own homes.
"It's a hi-tech way of name-calling, but it's horrible."
