Bullying can take many forms

Nearly half of UK pupils think bullying is a problem in their school, according to a study by the British Council.

Adopting religious holidays from other faiths and more discussion of different cultures could remedy the situation, say the children.

Researchers polled 3,500 pupils in 47 schools in seven countries.

When asked if bullying was a problem in their school, 48% of pupils in England, 43% in Scotland and 32% in Wales said "yes".

Learning about other people and understanding different cultures is the key to a better school experience for everyone Stephen Roman British Council

The reasons given for bullying included language difficulties, skin colour, race and religion.

Stephen Roman, British Council regional director for West Europe, said: "Research out earlier this week showed that bullying is endemic in schools.

"By working with young people we are finding ways to change this.

"They know - as we do - that learning about other people and understanding different cultures is the key to a better school experience for everyone."

The children (aged 12-18) were part of a wider European study of 3,500 pupils from 47 schools also taking in Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Portugal and Spain.

European comparisons

The research is part of a project to kick-start a Europe-wide improvement in diversity and integration in schools.

Schools taking part were chosen for their mix of children from different backgrounds.

In the UK (England, Wales and Scotland for the purposes of this study) 12% of non-migrant children said they had been bullied in the last three months, compared to 15% of first generation migrants.

In Italy, the figures were 5% and 7% respectively, Portugal - 4% and 4%, Netherlands - 7% and 5%, Belgium 9% and 21%, Germany - 19% and 20% and Spain - 3% and 4%.

Beatbullying chief executive Emma-Jane Cross said: "These pupils are telling us that there is a bullying problem in their schools � we have a duty to respond and run prevention programmes to tackle the issue swiftly and effectively.

"The research is not surprising. We know young people are bullied because of their race, religion and cultural background, and Beatbullying is the only charity funded by the Department of Children, Schools and Families to deliver specific prevention programmes around interfaith bullying to reduce the problem."

The survey will be repeated next year to measure change across Europe's schools.