BUS monitors and CCTV could be installed on school transport in a clampdown on bullying.

A report has said that increasing numbers of secondary school children are being bullied on home-to-school transport, and schools need to take a more active role in stopping it.

The report, which also looked into primary schools, was completed with the help of several schools in the county.

Many schools believe prevention ends after the bell rings, but Buckinghamshire County Council is now set to extend their responsibilities.

On Monday, the council's cabinet agreed recommendations which will see a review of home-to-school transport carried out.

This will look into exactly what can be done and could include bus monitors and CCTV.

Schools will also be expected to warn students of their behaviour aboard transport in their codes of conduct and liaise with parents every year over this.

The report, by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee for Children's Services (OSC), said that incidents were mainly occurring in years seven to nine and that bus companies were becoming reluctant to take on transport contracts as a result.

Around 14,725 of all school children in Bucks use public transport every day.

Brenda Jennings, chairman of the OSC, told the meeting: "I think there is an acceptance by many schools that once out the school gates, the young people are no longer in their jurisdiction. But it would be good to say that there is an awareness that all young people can still be at risk."

The report added that bus drivers found it difficult to keep them under control.

It found that matters were not helped by bus drivers who didn't speak English as a first language and found it difficult to keep kids under control.

Children also felt that bullying happened more on double decker buses than coaches, which have seat belts and high back seats.

Cllr Valerie Letheren (Con, Terriers and Amersham Hill), said: "It is a great concern.

"To try and keep costs down using double deckers, we don't always have the best buses and we don't always have drivers who can speak English as their first language."

Cllr Margaret Dewar (Con, Beaconsfield) said that some pupils could become bus monitors to contribute towards their Duke of Edinburgh awards.

She said: "This bullying on buses has been going on for 30 years to my knowledge - it has been something that has not always been recognised."

Officials will meet on Monday to decide how to take the review forward.