Hi-tech bullies target young victims

Bullies are increasingly using phones with built-in cameras to torment their victims.

One in ten children has felt threatened or embarrassed after bullies snapped their picture using a camera phone, according to a survey published today by children's charity NCH.

Seven per cent of those harassed by bullies in this way believe the picture were also forwarded to others, claims the research.

The report, Putting U in the picture, found that one in five people aged between 11 and 19 have been bullied or threatened via their mobile phone or computer.

The report points out that "mobile bullying is the biggest problem" with 14 per cent of youngsters saying they had been bullied or threatened via text message - three times more than those targetted over the net and nearly four times as many as those who have been bullied by email.

"For a child or teenager being bullied by mobile phone, it can be terrifying and feel like there is no escape," said NCH's new technology advisor John Carr.

"This new research reveals the massive scale of mobile bullying and shows how camera phones are being used by bullies to frighten and intimidate their victims."

NCH has teamed up with report sponsor Tesco Mobile to launch a website that provides help and support for victims. ®

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