Review launched to combat bullying

Following the tragic death of an 11-year-old boy who hung himself after months of vicious bullying, a review to combat bullying has been announced.

The wide-ranging study will examine ways to protect children from bullies on journeys to and from school after it emerged that Ben Vodden was victimised outside of class.

An inquest heard last month that Ben hanged himself from his bunk bed using shoelaces in December last year after he was subjected to name-calling, gesturing and swearing on school bus journeys.

Some of the taunts were levelled at him by bus driver Brian McCullogh during drives to and from Tanbridge House School in Horsham, West Sussex, a coroner heard.

An open verdict was recorded at Horsham Magistrates' Court after deputy West Sussex coroner David Skipp said he was satisfied Ben had not intended to commit suicide.

West Sussex County Council said that Ben's parents, Paul and Caroline, from Southwater, near Horsham, have welcomed the decision to set up an anti-bullying task force.

Mark Dunn, cabinet member for children and young people's services, said: "Bullying is not tolerated in our schools and a great deal of excellent work has been done to combat it in all its forms.

"However, we must build on the good practice that already exists in order to prevent bullying as far as possible and to tackle it robustly whenever it does occur."

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