SCHOOL bullies have been around for as long as schools themselves but the problem is constantly changing.

Following the suicide of a 14-year-old bullying victim in Lismore earlier this week, Orange High School deputy principal Chris Tomes says the problem requires complete vigilance on the part of teachers.

In many cases bullying was the result of family feuds outside of school but came to a head in the playground, he said.

“It is the single biggest issue teachers deal with and it’s changing in its nature.”

This was partly due to bullies now being able to attack victims around the clock thanks to new communications technology.

It is changing the lay of the land for teachers, bullies and victims, Mr Tomes said.

In the past bullies would generally have most access to their victims at school but with the 24 hour nature of the practice, schools now look like more of a sanctuary.

Orange High School implemented a ‘Speak Out Box’ several years ago, a tool Mr Tomes said had been a great benefit in identifying bullies.

The box allows students to anonymously inform teachers of bullying.

“I can’t take credit for its invention because it was here when I arrived but it is a wonderful tool,” he said.

Teachers are also adopting technology.

A computer database now records all reported incidents of bullying allowing teachers to examine and record the history and severity of cases and to take action accordingly.

Mr Tomes said the Speak Out Box particularly had allowed teachers to intervene in several serious cases.