More than half of young women are bullied at school because of how they look, according to a report published today.  Some youngsters miss months of education to avoid their tormentors, according to the survey.  Click here to read more.

Nearly half of local gay, lesbian and bisexual young people have experienced homophobic bullying, the Northern Ireland Anti-Bullying Forum (NIABF) has said.

The ShOut Report also shows that 65% of these young people believe they achieved lower grades at school as a result.

“Homophobic bullying is becoming an increasingly difficult issue for schools, and one which we must all take an urgent role in addressing,” said Lee Kane, NIABF Anti-Bullying Coordinator.

Speaking during the week-long Belfast Gay Pride Festival (24 – 31 July), Lee has urged parents, teachers and peers to be on the look out for signs of homophobic bullying, and to report it.

“Like other forms of bullying this is based on a perceived difference and motivated by prejudice,” Lee explained.  “We must remember that anyone can experience homophobic bullying, irrespective of their sexuality.”

NIABF aims to raise awareness of this form of bullying among teachers, parents and other adults, as well as among all children and young people.

“Research shows that 98% of pupils regularly hear homophobic language in their schools.  This is not acceptable.

“We must ensure that teachers and other pupils are empowered to speak out and challenge these comments,” Lee added.

NIABF members Save the Children and the Rainbow Project, in partnership with Youthnet, have produced ‘Leave It Out’, a toolkit for schools in developing anti-homophobic bullying practice.  For this, along with a range of supportive resources for schools, pupils and families, click here.

New research predicts likelihood of being bully or victim

Children and teens who have poor problem-solving skills are more at risk of becoming bullies, victims or both than peers who don't have such difficulties, according to a new review of studies conducted over the past 30 years.  And those with academic problems are even more likely to become bullies, says the research, in the June issue of the journal School Psychology Quarterly.  Click here to read more.

A bullying prevention charity has called for more official data on child suicide and research into its causes.  Beatbullying found that up to 44% of suicides among 10- to 14-year-olds may be bullying-related.  The charity said 26 out of the 59 cases reported in the national media were linked to intimidating behaviour.  To read the story in full, click here.

REMEMBER:  If you are experiencing bullying you can call:

ChildLine on 0800 11 11

Lifeline on 0808 808 8000

Almost half of respondents to a survey believe the myth that consuming too much sugar causes diabetes and a quarter object to sufferers of the condition injecting insulin in public. The poll was carried out for Diabetes UK, who say young diabetics are often bullied by other children who think they have brought the illness on themselves by eating too many sweets.  Results released to mark the start of Diabetes Week today show that 42% of the 2032 people questioned hold the misconception about sugar intake.  Click here to read more.

He's already being tipped as the next big sensation on Britain's Got Talent, and a win for shy singer Christopher Stone would be the perfect reply to bullies who made his early years a living hell. But his love of music led to years of bullying when he was at school because of his passion. Click here to find out more.

15th - 19th November 2010 is Anti-Bullying Week, and this year we will be looking at where bullying happens in school, and the things we can do to prevent it.  The focus will be on playgrounds, corridors, locker rooms, the lunch hall- all the places in school, but outside the classroom.

Registration for school is now open.  Click here to register your school!

All schools that register will receive free posters and teaching materials.  We're also running a competition for pupils, with the chance to win some great prizes for both the pupils and the school.  Register now to find out more.

Irish teenager Phoebe Prince's suicide has sparked a backlash led by a top-selling US magazine.

The hugely popular People magazine has highlighted Phoebe's "bullicide" on the front of its latest edition, under the headline: 'Bullied To Death?'

The publication is claiming to delve deeper "inside her torment" than before and publishes fresh pictures of one of the so-called "mean girls" who tormented the teenager.

To read more, click here.

N-Dubz member Dappy, real name Dino Contostavlos, apologised live on Radio 1 this morning, following a cyber-bullying incident at the beginning of the year.  He said the whole situation left him feeling "empty", and that he deeply regretted what had happened.  Dappy was speaking to Scott Mills, who was standing in on the Chris Moyles Breakfast Show.  It was on the same show that Dappy had taken down the telephone number of a listener, Chloe Moody, who had texted the show, and later sent her abusive text messages and made malicious phone calls.  The singer has offered Ms Moody, from Boston in Lincolnshire, front row seats for her and ten friends to an N-Dubz concert of her choice.   Click here to read more.

For more information on cyber-bullying, click here.