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Ben Vodden. Photo: PA Wire
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New ways to combat bullying will be explored following the death of an 11-year-old boy after he was subjected to months of torment on the school bus, it was announced today.
The "focused and wide-ranging" review will examine ways to protect children from bullies on journeys to and from school after it emerged that Ben Vodden was targeted outside of .
An inquest heard last month that Year 7 pupil Ben hanged himself from his bunk bed using shoelaces on December 12 last year after enduring name-calling, gesturing and swearing on school bus journeys.
Some of the taunts were levelled at him by bus driver Brian McCullogh during drives to and from Tanbridge House School in Horsham, West Sussex, a coroner heard.
An open verdict was recorded at Horsham Magistrates' Court after deputy West Sussex coroner David Skipp said he was satisfied Ben had not intended to commit suicide.
West Sussex County Council said today that Ben's parents, Paul and Caroline, from Southwater, near Horsham, have welcomed the decision to set up an anti-bullying task force.
Mark Dunn, cabinet member for children and young people's services, said: "Bullying is not tolerated in our schools and a great deal of excellent work has been done to combat it in all its forms.
"However, we must build on the good practice that already exists in order to prevent bullying as far as possible and to tackle it robustly whenever it does occur.
"Recent initiatives include a countywide anti-bullying card for all pupils with details of who to contact for advice and help.
"However, Ben's tragic death has shown the need for constant vigilance.
"We need to recognise that bullying can be present in any place or circumstance and that all concerned - pupils, parents, school staff, governors, the county council and other agencies - have an important role to play in protecting the wellbeing of children and young people."
Copyright Press Association 2007
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