A SYSTEM for reporting problems anonymously is ‘transforming’ schools according to headteachers.

Online reporting systems are being implemented at East Lancashire schools so pupils can report concerns on a variety of issues.

Since the SHARP reporting system has been impemented at Haslingden High School, head Mark Jackson says it has raised a number of issues.

He said the anonymous system has allowed children to report issues from bullying to anorexia without even speaking with a teacher.

He said: “It’s been incredibly useful. Pupils still have all the tradiotional ways to speak with us. They are encouraged to speak with a teacher in school if they are worried.

“However this additional service is a way of transforming how pupils get in touch. It can be late in the evening, they are a bit worried and they can send an instant message anonymously.

“It can be literally anything - a problem they are having in class or they are worried about a friend. We haven’t had any issues with bullying while it’sbeen in place. I think in large part due to the fact bullies know it is now easier for them to be reported.”

The Sharp system at the school has so far had almost 5,000 hits. Children who log on are encouraged to share particular issues such as hate crime and weapons and includes advice on issues with drugs.

The system has also been brought into use at St Wilfrid’s Church of England Academy in Blackburn where the school describe it as ‘a powerful communication tool’.

The school has a dedicated page for access of the system on its website, as well as its own page on the independent Sharp website.

St Wilfrid’s said the system was a gathering tool for incidents taking place in both the school and the community.

Overall, around 340 schools in the north west use Sharp, which stands for School Help Advice Reporting Page system.

Sharp said the educational tool was particularly useful for issues such as bullying, health, community problems, weapons and hate crime.

For more information visit www.thesharpsystem.com.