Calderdale schools are being given information on how to cut down incidents of anti-social behaviour in toilets and washrooms.

Some of the tips include involving staff and pupils in the design of washrooms, placing facilities in small blocks in well-used areas rather than in a central unit, making hand-washing areas unisex and using blurred glass cubicles to improve visibility.

It is hoped these measures will increase supervision from passing members of staff and discourage bullying.

School toilets are seen as an area where bullies can threaten and intimidate their victims away from staff and other pupils.

A survey by the UK Youth Parliament showed that 40 per cent of pupils feared the behaviour of other students when using the school toilets.

In response a factsheet is being sent to schools by Wallgate Ltd, a company which makes damage-resistant anti-vandal toilets.

The company hopes to help schools "design out" bullying when planning new toilets and washrooms.