TIME was when bullying was nothing more sophisticated than a demand for dinner money outside the school gates.

Today we are confronted with a new form of persecutor: the digital bully. Children across York are receiving insults and even threats in text messages sent to their mobile phones. Menacing emails and website posts are not uncommon.

There is no risk of immediate physical danger from this hi-tech torment. But the psychological damage is intense.

Nathalie Noret, whose survey uncovered the extent of cyber bullying in York, points out that victims can be targeted anywhere at any time. Home is no longer a safe haven. Wherever the mobile phone goes, so does the bully.

A 16-year-old Strensall pupil has bravely spoken out about the problem. Her ordeal demonstrates how frightening it can be. She had set up her own webpage, a constructive and harmless diversion, only to find it targeted by someone threatening publicly to break her legs or "glass" her. That is both terrifying and humiliating. So what can be done to stop it?

Most York schools already have strong anti-bullying policies. These have proven effective against old-fashioned techniques of intimidation. Head teachers must now ensure that everything possible is being done to counteract the digital bully.

Parents, too, need to be alert to the misuse of this new technology, and should act to protect their child from anyone sending abuse or threats - even if it means binning the phone.

In the worst cases, the police should step in. Bullies must be made to realise that they cannot remain anonymous; their text messages and emails can be traced. They can be prosecuted.

Updated: 10:01 Monday, April 03, 2006