Children in Gloucestershire are taking their lives because of online bullying, according to children’s services chiefs.
Safeguarding bosses were asked yesterday (November 25) what they are doing to tackle the issue of peer-on-peer abuse in the county.
Gloucestershire County Council’s children’s services director Chris Spencer said it was an issue which until recently young people kept to themselves because they were embarrassed or did not think people would act on their concerns.
“We are getting now an increased number of people coming forward and telling us they are being subjected to peer-on-peer abuse,” he told the children and families overview and scrutiny committee.
“Of course, the rise of the internet and social media has given rise to that as well.
“In the worst cases, there have been some tragic cases where young people have taken their own life because of online bullying.
“I had a meeting very recently with two members of Gloucestershire youth parliament about this very issue.
“I did commit to them that we would raise our game in communicating with schools about this issue.
“It’s an issue on the increase and more frequently reported and it’s one which I hope young people think we are now taking more seriously than perhaps it had been taken a little while back.”
He said the Gloucestershire Safeguarding Children Partnership are going write to all schools about the issue.
Detective chief inspector Sue Fereday said they recently directed a media campaign raising awareness of the signs of exploitation.
“With those reports that do come into us of peer-on-peer abuse we are very alive to the possibility of exploitation in that and we will also investigate.
“But also, about not criminalising children where possible and diverting them to educational resources.”
If you or someone you know needs help in a mental health crisis call 0800 169 0398 at any time and choose option 1 for Stroud and Cotswolds, option 2 for Gloucester and Forest or option 3 for Cheltenham, Tewkesbury and North Cotswolds.
You can also contact the Suicide Crisis team on 07975 974455. This number operates between 9am and 10pm every day.
The Samaritans also provide a 24/7 listening service and suicidal support their telephone number is 116 123 or email: jo@samaritans.org
By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter