A REVIEW of anti-bullying policies is set to take place in schools and youth organisations across the region.
Wirral, Cheshire and Liverpool education authorities have said they will look again at their policies following the death of Wallasey schoolboy Thomas Thompson and in the light of increasing national concerns.
Thomas died earlier this month after taking up to a dozen painkillers in his bedroom and suffering a heart attack.
The 11-year-old's mother, Sandra, believes Thomas took his own life as a result of years of taunting and abuse at the hands of bullies inside and outside school.
Wirral Council confirmed a review of its anti-bullying policy is due to take place in the autumn.
Liverpool city council said in the light of recent events it would be looking again at its anti-bullying strategy.
Cheshire's review was ordered by councillors Brendan Doyle and Sue Proctor amid concerns about the problem and its serious effects on young people.
They called on councillors to agree to the monitoring of all policies dealing with bullying involving young people.
They also urged that action be taken to ensure that schools and other bodies are alert to the consequences of bullying and taking practical measures to reduce and deter such behaviour.
County Coun Doyle said: "Whilst it is reassuring to know that Cheshire already has these guidelines in place it would be unrealistic to believe that we do not experience bullying in our schools.
"Our guidelines were first produced in 1992 and we are simply seeking to reas-sure ourselves and parents that they are still as relevant today, and not perhaps just gathering dust on some school shelf.
"We want to know that our schools and youth organisations are adopting a strongly proactive approach to a problem which can have tragic consequences if it is ignored."
The motion also calls upon Cheshire County Council to work through Community Safety Partnerships to provide a coordinated approach to the bullying issue.
Coun Proctor added: "Bullying is by no mean peculiar to schools and we believe that the most effective way we have of tackling the problem, wherever it occurs, is on a partnership basis.
"Our Youth and Community service also has strategies in place to address bullying - but once again we need to know whether they are being robustly adopted and conform to nationally recognised best practice."
A spokesman for Wirral Council added: "Our guidance on anti-bullying was sent to all schools in 1999 and all schools are required to have a policy.
"We keep our guidance under review and will be re-examining it again in the autumn."
A spokesman for Liverpool City Council said: "Our policy is fairly comprehensive and is under constant review.
"In light of recent events we will be looking again at the advice to ensure that it remains effective and that staff have the best and most up-to-date advice and support."