HOW can we stop bullying?

That is the question Hampshire County Council is asking residents, in a bid to gain an insight into the problem and work out how to support children affected by it.

The authority’s children’s services department is seeking feedback to help it address physical and emotional bullying, both in and outside of schools.

Reducing bullying is a priority for the council, which says it is committed to tackling the causes of it as well as dealing with the distress it causes.

All schools already have to have “rigorously-enforced anti-bullying strategies” in place, but the authority wants to know what else can be done.

Residents can give their views on how to tackle the problem by filling in an online questionnaire, or requesting a copy by calling 01962 847223.