Birmingham's head of education has pledged to step up anti-bullying efforts after a schoolgirl was found hanged at her home.
Councillor Les Lawrence (Con Northfield), who has revealed his own teenage son had been targeted by school bullies, said the problem could not be let "out of sight".
He warned schools in the city would be put under scrutiny to ensure they had measures in place to deal with playground thugs.
On Sunday May 1, 15-yearold Anna Marie Averill was found hanged at her family home in Quinton, Birmingham. An inquest is expected to be held.
Her mother Annette claimed Anna Marie had suffered eight months of torment and had been mercilessly picked on by a gang of three fellow girl pupils at Hillcrest School in Bartley Green. However, the headteacher Lynda Roan said the school had not been made aware of any bullying allegations.
Last week, an inquest in Worcestershire heard how 14-year-old Amy Rose Tipton, from Kidderminster, took a fatal overdose of antidepressants last year after allegedly being bullied.
Coun Lawrence said: "This is an issue we cannot now let go out of sight.
"It is one we have to keep very much focused and raise awareness.
"I am about to start looking at checking each and every school's anti-bullying policy, firstly to see whether they have one, which they should by law, and also whether it is affective."
Coun Lawrence stressed it was vital that young people themselves were involved for their views on how best to tackle the problem.
"I don't think we as adults can always suggest the most appropriate way," he said.
"But if young people are encouraged to discuss the issue they may come up with innovative ways that we can look at.
"Sometimes, if you involve those that are from the group itself, that is the most effective approach."
Coun Lawrence said discussions he has had with young people suggested those who bully were often victims themselves and may use it as a form of self-defence.
