Ofsted says children are carrying knives and bottles to beat the bullies

A rise in bullying has prompted more children than ever to carry knives and bottles to defend themselves, according to a survey.

And while bullies once operated only on school playgrounds they have now taken to the streets, the study for the education watchdog Ofsted revealed.

Children's rights director for England Dr Roger Morgan said it shows that bullying has also spread to the home, as well as the Internet, through social websites.

The survey involved 319 children who were in care or using social care services.

Many felt bullying in general was getting worse and about four out of ten said they had been victims of electronic bullying, such as receiving a threatening text message or a mobile phone call

The report said: "Some of the children told us that when bullying gets serious, a growing way for young people to show that they can defend themselves is to carry a weapon such as a knife or bottle."

Two-thirds of the children who gave their views said bullying is becoming more widespread and some blamed it on violent television programmes and video games.

Dr Morgan, who is based at Ofsted, said: "More and more children and young people we spoke to are now suffering at the hands of bullies in many places - at home, in the classroom, in the street, and now even online."

Children's Minister Kevin Brennan said: "This report provides a valuable insight into the views and perceptions of some of the most vulnerable children.

'But we should remember that incidents with knives are incredibly rare."