THE majority of schools are tackling bullying and providing schemes that enable youngsters to talk to other pupils about the problem, according to an independent expert on the subject.

National research found that two in three secondary pupils would feel uncomfortable telling a teacher they were being bullied.

But Nicola Schofield, project leader of the Bolton-based voluntary organisation Bully Free Zone, said most Bolton schools were actively dealing with the problem.

She said many youngsters could find it difficult to confide in a teacher if they were being bullied -- but much was being done to ensure youngsters knew they had someone to turn to.

She added that children might fear that by talking to teachers about bullying they could make the situation worse or that teachers might not take them seriously.

But she said that many schools across the borough had a series of anti-bullying schemes in place.

"We go into schools and train mainly Year 10, 11 pupils and sixth form students. They then set up a peer support group so that pupils can talk to somebody of their own age."

She added a lot of schools had a mediation scheme where youngsters stepped in and helped to resolve conflict between two parties.

Sharples primary and secondary schools also have a transitional scheme where the two schools work together to help children adjust going to "big" school.

Anyone who would like further information on the Bully Free Zone can contact 01204 454958.