AS the new term gets under way, the court case (Evening News, August 29) in which Karen Mapp was cleared of causing alarm, harassment and distress in a row with a girl she accused of bullying her daughter, brings into focus the misery caused by school bullies.

The charity Bullying Online has answered more than 3,300 e-mails from despairing parents and children in the 17 months since the organisation was founded.

Mrs Mapp is right to be concerned that bullying can lead to suicide. I receive a number of e-mails each month where pupils either feel suicidal or have actually tried to kill themselves.

All schools now need to have bullying policies by law and there is no excuse for the problem to be ignored. There are many pages of advice on the Bullying Online website at www.bullying.co.uk, including letters for those who are not sure what to say to their child's school.

Personal advice is given by e-mail, usually within 24 hours, on help@bullying.co.uk.

MRS LIZ CARNELL,

Director, Bullying Online,

9 Knox Way,

Harrogate,

N Yorks HG1 3JL