YOUNG bullies are using mobile phone text messages to threaten and intimidate their victims.

Education officials and police concerned about the rise in high-tech harassment have issued guidelines on avoiding it.

Thefts of mobile phones, which are widely popular with youngsters of all ages, has been a growing problem for some time, but the phones themselves are now being used to spread misery.

Val McFarlane, a coordinator with Durham County Council's anti-bullying service, said: "New technology has brought with it a new kind of bullying.

"Many children throughout the country are suffering abuse from other children, via their mobile telephone.

"Mobile phones can be very useful as a safety measure, and fun for children to use, but they need to be aware of the ways they can protect themselves from abusive calls or text messages.''

Acting Inspector John Zissler, of Durham Police, said: "There have been incidents of theft of mobile phones, particularly among young people.

"These guidelines will hopefully make children more aware of this risk, reduce anxiety by informing them what steps should be taken to make theft of their phone less likely, and what they should do in this instance.''

Copies of the guidelines are being sent to schools throughout the county. The advice includes not responding to unwanted calls or messages, and saving the incoming numbers or text so it can be shown to an adult.

Youngsters getting abusive messages should contact their network provider, which may be able to change their phone number. Phone numbers should only be given to family and close friends.

To prevent theft, the advice is to security code the phone and battery, and register the phone with the network provider so the SIM card can be barred if it is stolen.

Youngsters are advised not to use their phone in crowded places, to avoid displaying it in public places and to never leave it unattended.