SCHOOLS are right to be vigilant at all times against the menace of bullying. It can have a devastating impact on victims and needs to be eradicated at the earliest opportunity. It can disrupt school life and have a detrimental impact on academic achievement.

The behaviour of a small minority of trouble-makers must never be allowed to stand in the way of the progress of the vast majority.

There have been cases where bullying has led to suicide.

Regrettably, there are occasions when bullying extends outside the school grounds and thereby outside the control of schools and education authorities.

And there are times when it extends beyond the limits of bullying and into the realms of thuggery.

The case heard at Teesside Crown Court against two teenage girls from Darlington involved bullying at its very extreme.

We applaud the judge for imposing custodial sentences. On this occasion the girls' age does not support pleas for leniency and compassion. This was a wicked assault committed by two violent young girls.

Juveniles appearing in court are usually not identified in media reports.

The judge was right to lift that restriction on this occasion.

The harsh punishment and waiving of anonymity reflected the savagery of their crime.

We trust the sentences will act as a deterrent to any young person who might otherwise turn to bullying.