Bullying has driven some pupils to suicide.

The charity NSPCC said it would offer advice on dealing with abuse, violence, bullying, racism, depression and other causes of concern.

The booklet, Worried? Need to talk?, has been produced in consultation with young people. It follows widespread concern about the extent of bullying in schools.

NSPCC director of public policy, Phillip Noyes, said: "Children and young people may not want to talk about their concerns because they may feel embarrassed, or that they won't be taken seriously or understood.

Every school

"They may even have been let down by an adult before. But there are people to turn to. They could be a close friend, a parent, a school teacher or counsellor, school nurse, a doctor, a social worker, or a police officer."

The 24-page booklets are being sent to Personal, Social and Health Education co-ordinators in every secondary school in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Earlier this month, it emerged 12-year-old Liam Waldron, a victim of persistent bullying had been separated from his fellow pupils at Arnewood School in New Milton, Hampshire, while his tormentors remained in lessons.

David Hart, the general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers, called for an inquiry into the allegations.

Several children elsewhere have committed suicide as a result of bullying.

The NSPCC's booklet also deals with drug use, alcohol abuse and pupils' questions about their sexuality.