East Renfrewshire’s MP has made a direct plea to the Prime Minister to tackle the problem of cyber bullying.

Paul Masterton quizzed Theresa May during Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) to ask what is being done by the UK Government to raise awareness of the issue.

He spoke out following the recent tragedy involving 13-year-old Eastwood High pupil Ben McKenzie, who was found dead after he suffered cyber bullying.

Mr Masterton also praised the work of Beautiful Inside & Out – a Scottish non-profit charity that supports bereaved parents and siblings of child suicide victims.

Barrhead News: Ben McKenzie died earlier this year

Thousands of pounds have been donated to Beautiful Inside & Out through a fundraising page set up in Ben’s honour, with the cash being used to support families and implement preventative measures in schools.

Mr Masterton’s intervention will now help to raise awareness of the charity, with PMQs catching the attention of viewers around the world as they tuned in to hear about the latest Brexit developments.

The Conservative politician asked Mrs May: “Can the Prime Minister set out what this government is going to do to tackle cyber bullying – not just to support and empower victims but to deter and prevent children who may be engaging in these acts, not realising the consequences they can have?”

Agreeing that no family should have to experience a Christmas without their child due to suicide, Mrs May responded: “The question of cyber bullying is one which we do need to address in both ways – in working with the internet companies in relation to what is put out on their platforms and working with schools to help recognise this material and deal with it.”

A government consultation on internet safety carried out last year revealed that, despite a range of voluntary initiatives and good work by various charities, the issue remains a serious problem.

Pauline Moriarty, founder of Beautiful Inside & Out, said the JustGiving page set up in Ben’s memory is the ideal way for people to show their support for the charity.

She added: “I know that those who have donated already shall be eager to see our progress in the local area, as well as nationally.

“In terms of the Prime Minister’s response to Paul Masterton’s question, we are in agreement about the things that need to be addressed. It is not enough to leave it there, though. There needs to be clearly defined deterrents by way of significant legal sanctions formally put in place, so that we can reverse this culture of empowerment that many people thrive on when bullying other individuals online or otherwise.”