BULLYING among teenagers on the internet has become such a problem that teachers in Nottingham are being given special training to tackle it.

A survey of nearly 150 pupils in Nottingham has revealed 45% have suffered some form of abuse online, while 66% of the victims were girls, who are mostly being bullied by other girls.

A special course to tackle girl-on-girl bullying for teachers was held at the University of Nottingham this week, while both the city and county councils are providing teacher training on how to deal with cyberbullying among pupils.

An adult nursery worker was suspended from his job last month after allegations he had sex with a 14-year-old girl from Nottingham were posted on the social networking site Facebook.

The allegations were completely false and he has now been reinstated.

The girl's mother, who does not wish to be named, said the abuse had also made her daughter's life hell.

She said: "My daughter is scared to go to school, she's not eating, she's not sleeping and the abuse continues," the Nottingham mum said, who is now campaigning for increased internet safeguarding.

Almost 300 people have now joined a pressure group called Get Kids Off Facebook, set up by Darren Brown, of Mansfield.

Councillor David Mellen, portfolio holder for Children's Services, said: "As more and more schools are having to respond to the growing challenge of cyberbullying, it is vital they understand the issue and know how to prevent and respond to incidents."

A spokesperson for Facebook said: "Any action that is considered abusive or threatening towards an individual will not be tolerated on Facebook."

michael.greenwell@nottinghameveningpost.co.uk