I was horrified to read (The Argus, April 20) of 11-year-old Ben Vodden's death by hanging because he was bullied.

We should congratulate his parents on their sober and responsible statement about the affair, which you published. But all the authorities involved should think very hard about the role they played.

In particular I hope the school's governors will require an urgent review of its policies which "rarely punish the bullies but rather bring together the victim and the bully to talk things through' and reach a solution", as you reported.

That shows a crass misunderstanding of how bullying works among children of that age. The bullies will conclude that they have got away with it.

As for the bus driver's alleged part in harrying this child to a premature death, I am glad I have never been on his bus if that is his idea of banter.

  • Tom Lines, St Peter's Place, Brighton