A SURVEY for the Department of Children, Schools and Families has revealed cyber bullying to be one of the most common forms of bullying, and research suggests that up to one in three young people has been a victim. But now young people and teachers from

A SURVEY for the Department of Children, Schools and Families has revealed cyber bullying to be one of the most common forms of bullying, and research suggests that up to one in three young people has been a victim.

But now young people and teachers from Essex are getting together to learn how to beat the cyber bullies.

An anti-bullying conference is being held at Towerlands Conference Centre in Braintree on Thursday November 19.

The conference has been planned, organised and will be run by members of the Young Essex Assembly's Beat Bullying group.

Pupils and teachers from 24 schools across Essex will be attending including primary, secondary and special schools.

During the morning session there will be training sessions around bullying. At 1.50pm each young person will release a helium balloon with a positive message about themselves and during the afternoon session there will be performing arts workshops. The workshops aim to inspire the young people to create a performance around bullying in their schools, with the final performance being showcased at the Mercury Theatre next year.

Cabinet Member for Education, Councillor Stephen Castle, said: "In Essex we are agreed that any form of bullying is unacceptable. This conference will teach young people about the dangers of cyber bullying and give them the confidence and support they need to tackle it.