Pupils warned over web bullying

Two schoolboys who used an internet site to bully a fellow classmate have received formal warnings from police.

The site contained photographs of the 13-year-old victim and was live for several months before the boy alerted teachers at the school.

Southampton City Council said it was the first time it had encountered this type of bullying.

The two bullies were suspended from school but have now returned. Their victim was moved to another school.

'Sustained' campaign

Officials took action after being alerted to the existence of the website in December 2005, but the bullying had lasted for several months, a spokeswoman for the city council said.

A statement said the website was created by Year 8 pupils in their own time and away from school premises.

This was bought to the attention of the school authorities by the pupil and the boy was moved to another school in the city at his family's request, she said.

Lindsay Gilbert, a spokeswoman for ChildLine, told the BBC News website: "It's a very unusual case.

"There's been a huge rise technology in recent years and it's becoming a common tool for bullying.

"But a sustained, planned campaign like this is very unusual."

She said such behaviour was worrying and could have a devastating effect on a child.