BULLIES are using threatening and abusive text messages to target pupils outside school hours.

Several students at Richard Aldworth School in Basingstoke have complained to parents that they have received abusive text messages from unknown senders.

Headteacher Julie Churcher said students are not allowed to use mobile phones at her school, but added she is aware some pupils have been receiving abusive messages.

"It is a parental responsibility outside of school to ensure that mobile phones are not misused," she said.

"It is a difficult situation for the school to resolve because the messages are anonymous."

Mrs Churcher said bullying is not a problem in her school due to procedures that have been introduced to curb such behaviour.

"Text messaging, like e-mail, is just a different form of bullying that should be stopped," she said.

A spokesman for the child support group Childline said most children who call the organisation for advice want to talk about bullying.

He added: "We have been getting more calls recently from children who are being bullied by text message.

"More and more children have phones and they are just using them as another way to bully others. It is just like writing an anonymous letter."

Sergeant Keith Ward, of Basingstoke police, said abusive text messages could be classified as harassment.

He said: "If children are being sent abusive text messages, we recommend they talk to their parents, tutors or teachers. If the problem persists then they can certainly contact the police."

If you are being bullied then confidential help and advice can be found with trained counsellors at Childline on 0800 1111 or at www.childline.org.uk