PARENTS, neighbours and shopkeepers have been called on to join the fight against bullying as part of a new Scotland-wide strategy.

Education Minister Hugh Henry said communities across Scotland had a duty to stamp out bullying wherever it happened. "Bullying can take place in school, but is actually more likely to take place outside the classroom - perhaps on the school bus at the youth club or on the street," he said.

"Adults need to step in to stop bullying wherever they see it and to report it to the school. We all have a responsibility if we see a child being bullied. You don't turn your back on a child."

Mr Henry was commenting at the launch of Respectme, the Scottish Executive's new anti-bullying advice service to provide information to organisations working with children. With funding of more than £1m over three years, the new service will help develop anti-bullying strategies.

Brian Donnelly, director of Respectme, said: "It's every child's right not to be bullied and Respectme's vision is of a society where children can live free from bullying and harassment.

"We will work with people from a wide variety of backgrounds who come into contact with children and young people, to give them confidence and competence to deal with children who are being bullied and those bullying."