East Midlands

Government statistics reveal that over half of all primary and secondary pupils believe bullying within school is a big problem. 

In some cases the bullying can become so bad that pupils take their own lives.

It's estimated that 16 children a year commit so-called "bullycide", driven to despair by name-calling and abuse.

Scary Guy

Now some schools – including those in Nottingham are turning for help from a most unusual man called – Scary Guy.

Scary Guy shocks his audience

Scary Guy, from Tucson, Arizona, is covered from head to toe in tattoos.

He was born Earl Kaufman, but changed his name 11 years ago when he set out on a mission to eliminate prejudice and bigotry.

Inside Out follows this motivational speaker as he tackles a class of tough kids at William Sharp Comprehensive in Bilborough.

Shock tactics

The school is located in one of the most deprived areas of the city and, like all schools, has to deal with the problem of bullying.

All schools have to deal with bullying

Deputy Head Kerry Mills says: "Our main problem with bullying is name calling and verbal sniping."

But Scary Guy who has taken his message of love peace and tolerance to schools all over Britain relishes a challenge.

"My experience is that the tougher they are the harder they fall."

Charity song

Inspired by Scary Guy's message  a group of thirteen and fourteen year olds from William Sharp recorded their own rap song at Silver Studios in Nottingham with producer Jordan Milnes – the man behind Geri Halliwell and Jamelia.

Charity single Stepping Back , released by the school's own record label Sharp records is a reaction to the whole issue of bullying. 

Any money it makes will be donated to the charity ChildLine.

Suicide risk

Inside Out follows two pupils, Charlotte Greening and Byron Webster as they are set Scary Guy’s "seven-day, seven-night challenge" – a whole week of abstaining from name-calling or verbal abuse.

Debra Savage: daughter killed herself

Scary Guy stuns his young audience by talking about suicide.

The Beat Bullying campaign group says that one in four children who are seriously bullied will attempt suicide.

Reporter Des Coleman talked to Debra Savage, from Nottingham, the mother of 13-year-old Morgan Musson who took her own life after being bullied.

Debra said: "Things will never be the same for me. I have lost a big chunk of my life."