'Typical bully behaviour would be for girls to spread 'gossip' or false rumours about a friend in a peer group. Strauss said bullying and sarcastic remarks are common among children. 'This incident could have been prevented.

They don’t have the knowledge to realise in the spur of the moment that everything will be ok tomorrow,' Strauss said. Children experience emotions much more severe and can be very impulsive. 'This heartbreaking incident is a wake-up call to everyone working with children.