YOUNG people at a school in Bolton are speaking out against bullies.

UTC Bolton marked Anti-Bullying Week by giving pupils 24 hour support to speak about any concerns or issues they may have about themselves or others.

The school has signed up to tootoot’s online platform, which last year received £4.4 million from the Department for Education to roll out to schools to help tackle bullying in all its forms, including cyber-bullying.

The launch of the online tool and app at the UTC Bolton comes as the Duke of Cambridge spearheads a fresh battle against online abuse with the support of a taskforce made up of major tech firms and charities.

He is to announce a code of conduct for the internet, said to be the first of its kind globally, urging young people to “stop, speak, support”.

For the last 18 months, the Royal Foundation’s Taskforce on the Prevention of Cyberbullying has been working on ways to create a safer space for young people online.

The online hub provides pupils at the school with support around the clock, including school holidays, and direct and confidential access to staff.

Cyberbullying gives bullies the cover of anonymity but tootoot’s app counteracts this by allowing children to report bullying incidents anonymously themselves. They can screenshot abusive messages or even take photographs of bullies in action, then send them via the app. The reports will then be read by staff at the child’s school, but no one else.

Liam McDaid, UTC Bolton’s Principal said “We are excited to introduce Tootoot at UTC Bolton as an additional tool to safeguard our pupils. It’s more than just a platform for reporting, it’s an opportunity to give all of our stakeholders a voice and ‘make some noise

“’ The enthusiasm from the tootoot team is infectious and our students really enjoyed the launch event.”

David Morley, Designated Safeguarding Lead and Director of Inclusion added: “At UTC Bolton we have a Synergy team dedicated to the Safeguarding of all of our students, as well as dedicated staff and peer champions for bullying.

“Sometimes though, some students find it difficult to talk. That was the appeal of tootoot, an award-winning, Department for Education approved service that will give our students the platform to communicate any issues, even when they can’t talk.

“We have a culture here where students know what they should do if they are concerned about themselves or another pupil, tootoot just enhances what we do already.”

Tootoot’s Chief Executive Officer, Michael Brennan added: “We’re excited to welcome UTC Bolton to the tootoot family. It’s fantastic they have recognised the tool as the perfect addition to their anti-bullying and safeguarding programme, enhancing their current system and providing a voice for their pupils.”

The app has been signed in conjunction with teachers and governors to ensure it provides a safe and anonymous way for pupils to report concerns.