275 text-bullying complaints so far

An Internet Safety watchdog has fielded 275 text-bullying complaints this year, referring nearly half to police because of criminal content and threats.

Most complaints were from victims aged over 18, NetSafe spokeswoman Rachel Harrison said.

The figure did not include calls relating to other forms of cyber bullying and harassment on the Internet and social networking websites.

"Some calls have been extremely serious, involving young peoplebeing groomed for sexual abuse and people attempting suicide," Ms Harrison said.

Police youth aid officers were called in this year when a schoolgirl received threatening text messages from another girl over a relationship.

A trespass order was served on the bully for the victim's school and home.

The number of calls to NetSafe this year about text bullying appears to be down on the past two years. It received 750 calls in 2005 and 527 last year.

But Ms Harrison said it was unclear whether there was less text bullying or if victims were now dealing directly with police and telecommunication companies since new guidelines were developed last year to combat text bullying. "The numbers are still far too high."

NetSafe estimates one in four young New Zealanders using mobile phones have received offensive, pornographic or harassing messages.

Cyber bullying has also been implicated in several youth suicides.

Police youth services national manager Superintendent Bill Harrison said police ran a bullying-prevention programme in schools. In serious cases, phone companies could issue warnings to text bullies or disable phones.

- © Fairfax NZ News