THE internet has revolutionised communication for the better.

Messages can travel over any distance, free of charge and at instantaneous speed.

Social networking websites such as Facebook have also revolutionised communication, allowing friends and family to keep in touch in the form of a virtual news feed.

Personal bulletins are posted regularly and shared online with people who rarely meet day to day.

Facebook is a highly effective tool at staying in touch, but also a highly effective at inflicting serious harm.

It is the perfect tool for the cyberbully, who have more opportunity to remain anonymous than they would in real life.

Abuse can be directed from anywhere, so long as there is a computer.

Bullies humiliate their victims and thrive on the protection the internet provides.

Schools are being trained to spot the warning signs but parents are also being urged to take responsibility for their child's online habits.

Cyberbullying is not just being seen as an old problem in a modernised form and experts hope it can be dealt with through a partnership approach.

Facebook is struggling to manage its millions of accounts and parents are being urged to work with schools against all forms of bullying.