Schools across Sussex are to be given new advice on how to clamp down on bullying.

The Government has drawn up revised guidance for teachers on dealing with bullying, especially the growing problem of text message intimidation.

Anti-bullying packs are being distributed in time for the new term.

An estimated 400,000 children are thought to be bullied across the UK every year and 100,000 of them are believed to have received abusive text messages on their mobile phones.

Children's charity the NCH provides anti-bullying workshops in Sussex schools.

Teams of volunteers act out scenarios before discussing bullying with pupils.

Head of youth fund-raising Jackie Munn said: "During the past year we have had lots of positive feedback from schools and there has been a change in students' behaviour.

"High-tech bullying is on the increase with abusive emails and text messages but the reasons behind it are often the same.

"In our workshops we try to talk about both the causes and the symptoms of bullying."

Brighton and Hove City Council launched a three-year anti-bullying project last September.

Any school wanting to stage an NCH workshop should call 0121 3215190 or email bullyhelp@nch.org.uk