OUT OF CONTROL

Make bullying a criminal offence says campaigner shocked at number of youth violence victims

- RUTH SUTER

BULLYING needs to be made a criminal offence in Scotland to halt a wave of violent attacks on children, Nicola Sturgeon has been told.

Children's campaigner Angela Gilluley has launched a petition to change the law after being "inundated" with pleas for help from victims of bullying.

She has now written to the First Minister begging her to tackle youth violence by bringing in a specific offence covering violent "bullying" attacks on young people.

Angela, who provides professional counselling for bullied children in Fife, has been overwhelmed by the number of children she treats.

The 61-year-old told the Record she has supported youths and their families who have been subjected to horrific treatment. Incidents include:

A six-year-old schoolboy who was set on fire.

An 11-year-old boy took his own life after penning a heartbreaking note that documented his bullying.

A 14-year-old girl who was beaten by a gang of 20 youths.