Victimised by cyberbullies

HUNDREDS of thousands of young people are being subjected to cyberbullying, with many being victimised for a year or more, new research suggests.

A new study reveals the long-term impact of this abuse, with youngsters reluctant to go to school, living in fear and even attempting suicide.

The Beatbullying study, based on a survey of 4,605 children and young people, found just over one in four (28 per cent) 11-16-year-olds say they have been the victim of cyberbullying, such as via a mobile or the internet.

The latest Virtual Violence II study says that with about 4.38 million secondary-aged children in the UK, it means around 350,222 children have been the victim of persistent cyberbullying.

Beatbullying chief executive Emma-Jane Cross said: “Cyberbullying continues to be a dangerous problem. We must not ignore its devastating effects.”