An anti-bullying app is being rolled out at schools across Broadland thanks to more than £11,000 in funding.

The online safeguarding tool, called Tootoot, allows young people to anonymously report bullying using their mobile phone or computer.

School staff are then notified of any issues and will be able to take appropriate action.

The programme was launched at Acle Academy yesterday after the Broadland Youth Advisory Board (YAB) provided funding worth £11,200.

It will enable high schools across the district to use the programme.

Summer Haylock, 17, a YAB commissioner who decided to fund the project, said 'We thought Tootoot was an excellent opportunity to try to tackle one of young people's major issues – bullying.

'I think to a lot of students, it will be reassuring that Tootoot is there as an option should they need it.'

As well as Acle Academy, secondary schools in Sprowston, Hellesdon, Aylsham and Reepham are either using the app, or are in the process of setting it up.

Lisa Frary, head of ICT at the academy, said: 'Tootoot is available to students all day, every day and it eliminates the fact that the victim has to wait to have a face-to-face conversation with someone at school.'

Are you launching a new initiative to combat bullying at your school? Call Luke Powell on 01603 772684