CHESHIRE’S Anti-Bullying Commission released its first report into bullying among under 25s in Cheshire on Friday.

It was released to mark the end of Anti-Bullying Week and as the latest data from the Office of National Statistics reveals that one in five children experienced some form of online bullying last year, amid warning the problem has worsened during lockdown.

The report was released ion conjunction with Cheshire police and crime commissioner (PCC) David Keane and Cheshire’s Anti-Bullying Commission chairman Alan Yates.

Mr Keane said: "I am proud to have set up Cheshire’s first Anti-Bullying Commission and I am proud of the work the Commission has undertaken so far.

"As a result of this first phase, focused on under 25s, we have identified a set recommendations which I believe can achieve real change for our young people in Cheshire and beyond.

“Through the work of the Commission we have heard some heartbreaking cases of how being bullied at a young age has severely affected people in later life and in some cases, has resulted in suicide or self-harm.

“What our findings have outlined is that tackling bullying is everyone’s business; the only way we are going to halt this bullying epidemic among all generations in our society is by working together to change behaviour and make it unacceptable to target someone simply just for who they are.

“It is crucial that we work together to ensure these are not just words in a report but actions to make a difference for our communities.”

The report is recommending that schools, workplaces and community organisations come together in a united-front against bullying after it found more needs to be done to not only protect victims but also manage the behaviour of bullies themselves.

It has developed a county-wide anti-bullying charter and is urging schools, workplaces and community organisations to sign it to show their commitment to challenging bullying and protecting people in our communities.

Since it was launched in May 2019, the Commission has spoken to hundreds of people across Cheshire who have experienced bullying. It has also reviewed academic research, serious case reviews and coroner’s reports on suicides where bullying has been a factor.

Mr Yates added: "Cheshire’s Anti-Bullying Charter clearly outlines that bullying will not be tolerated in our communities.

"It is designed to complement the same principles and standards of anti-bullying work which is already being carried out by education establishments and organisations across Cheshire."

For more, head to www.cheshire-pcc.gov.uk/cheshire-anti-bullying-commission/