The question of bullying is a complex one.

What some people will interpret as bullying, others will regard as good-natured bantering.

But our reports this week of incidents at Peers School will certainly raise doubts about the effectiveness of current anti-bullying policies. Peers has been at the forefront, installing CCTV cameras, appointing 'toilet fairies' to supervise the toilets at break and lunchtimes, and holding restorative justice meetings.

But clearly all is not well. One girl was taken to hospital seriously ill after she was allegedly bullied and took an overdose.

Other families have now come forward to tell us of further incidents. One mother who said her daughter had taken an overdose after having acid thrown at her during a science lesson, has described bullying at Peers as "horrendous".

Parents will be asking if anti-bullying measures at this and other schools are as robust as we have been led to believe.

They need to be reassured that everything possible is being done to protect their children. At present, in some places at least, that appears not to be the case.