Children in Britain can now text their teachers to report bullying, in an initiative that makes it safer to come forward.
Many bullying victims are reluctant to speak out for fear their tormentors will make their lives even more of a misery if they are spotted reporting them to an adult.
The new service, called "Text Someone", allows pupils to complain about bullying at a distance. They do not even have to give their names, although teachers would be able to contact them through email if they thought it necessary to help them.
Leicester City Council has become the first authority in the country to give all its schools software which enables pupils to report instances "24/7" via text, phone and online. The system also allows a bystander to report an instance of bullying.
Dr Joe Dawson, principal education psychologist with Leicester City Council, said: "Technology is now making it easier for young people to report bullying from the safety of their home via text message or online.