Staff given cyber bullying guide

Cyber bullying is carried out via mobiles and the internet

Education and leisure staff in the Highlands are to get guidance on how to deal with cyber bullying.

Children are among groups most vulnerable to abuse sent via mobile phones and the internet.

Highland Council said Scottish anti-bullying service Respectme had described its strategy as unique among local authorities.

Teachers will be among the employees to receive the guidance on how to help those affected by cyber bullying.

Louise Jones, the council's health promoting schools manager, said some teaching staff had themselves been the target of abuse over the internet.

She said: "Cyber bullying can have devastating impacts on the victims, some of which have been our own staff in recent times through teacher rating websites.

"The guidance will also help staff who they themselves have been on the receiving end of cyber bullying."

The guidance covers an explanation of what constitutes cyber bullying, the laws against it and how to help someone affected by it.