The vast majority of people (89%) believe parents should take full responsibility if their offspring are bullying other children, a survey claims.

The poll of 2,433 adults across the UK aged 18 or above found over two thirds (67%) had suffered at the hands of their peers at school.

And 14% said the bullying had been serious, market researchers My Voice reported.

The survey also showed bullying was not just confined to schools - 46% had experienced victimisation at work and more than one in 10 of those said that had been serious.

Almost two thirds of the adults surveyed felt experiencing bullying at school could have long-term ill effects.

Just 15% admitted to having been bullies themselves.

Cherie Booth

Last week, the prime minister's wife, Cherie Booth, chaired a conference on bullying, organised by the children's charity ChildLine.

"It's a terrible thing for a parent to discover that their child in fact is deeply unhappy at school," said Ms Booth.

"You would be surprised at the number of letters I personally receive from parents and children around the country telling me about their experiences."