A SCHOOL is banning mobile phones after bullies used them to send "horrific" text messages.

The texts are sent anonymously using the latest technology so victims cannot identify the offenders.

Now Duffryn High School, Newport is to ban pupils from taking phones to school after the issue was raised at the National Assembly yesterday.

Duffryn assistant head teacher Sue Gruffydd is in charge of the Pals Active Listening (PALS) anti-bullying scheme which started last September.

PALS allocates sixth-formers to look after and counsel younger pupils.

Mrs Gruffydd said: "Text and e-mail bullying is a huge issue here and elsewhere because it is the hardest type of bullying to find and prove.

"It's so easy for a bully to make horrific threats to the victim without being traced. Technology exists on mobile phones and computers to send messages anonymously and, unlike with verbal and physical abuse, it is difficult to get witnesses.

"Messages received by victims seem to be along the same lines as bullying has always taken.

"Kids are mocked for being different and bullies threaten their safety, that sort of thing.

"Only this is more sinister because the victim doesn't know where it's coming from. This is not an issue unique to Duffryn but we aim to stamp it out. PALS works very well and the sixth-formers thrive on the responsibility.

"But we are going to ban mobile phones in school after Easter and we encourage parents of any victim to contact the police, that's how seriously we take it."

Plaid Cymru education spokeswoman Janet Ryder who recently visited Duffryn High School, revealed the incidents in an Assembly debate yesterday.

Mrs Ryder said youngsters told her it was the worst kind of bullying because it "gets inside your head and messes you up".

Mrs Ryder said: "Because this bullying is anonymous and direct to your phone it makes youngsters feel there's no escape. The normal safety barrier of leaving school and going home is breached.

"Anyone who has had abusive phone calls will know how threatening this is."

The Argus launched an anti-bullying campaign in 2003 after the families of two bullied victims at Duffryn approached us.

Sally Pitman, mother of Lisa Pitman, 15 and happily at Nash College, said: "Technology is making it easier to bully kids now. If parents know it is happening they should take it on right away, expose it to the authorities, the police and the Argus."

Education minister Jane Davidson yesterday highlighted the annual report from Peter Clarke, Children's Commissioner for Wales, which identified bullying as a particular concern in schools.

Earlier this week, we revealed that the school is to ban junk food in a bid to improve the health of pupils.