PARENTS will be educated on how to protect their children from cyber-bullying next week.

"Stay Safe in Cyberspace" is the theme of this year's Anti-Bullying Week and will highlight the problem of harassment online.

Research has shown that more than a third of 12 to 15 year olds have faced some form of cyberbullying, whether it be through social networking sites or text messages.

Wirral Council is holding workshops throughout the week to teach parents how to monitor their children's ICT use.

Councillor Phil Davies, Wirral's cabinet member for children's services, said: "Unfortunately, some people just don’t take cyberbullying as seriously as other forms of bullying - maybe because it is indirect and often perceived as anonymous.

"It can, however, cause immeasurable harm; children and young people tell us that it is all the more damaging because it feels inescapable."

Schools across Wirral will be taking part in activities to raise awareness of the problem, and let victims of bullying know they are not alone.

Paula Dixon, headteacher at Prenton High School and chairman of the Wirral Association of Secondary Headteachers, said: "Cyberbullying is a relatively new form of bullying but it can still be awful for children to go through. The difference is, they cannot get away from it even when they go home. It's there 24/7."

The sessions will be held at schools, youth clubs and learning centres, for more information call 0151 346 6503.