More than 7,000 people have visited a north-based anti-bullying website in the last year.
Rhoda Grant, MSP for the Highlands and Islands created the Tackling Oppressive Bullying in Employment (Tobie) site in December 2014 to put a stop to bullying in the Highlands and Moray.
It was launched in both Inverness and Elgin and a total of 7,242 people have visited so far.
And now the Labour MSP is considering launching a consultation on the idea of making bullying a criminal offence, meaning it would be treated like incidents such as stalking. As such, offenders could be charged with breach of the peace, assault or harassment.
She said she had been contacted by scores of people in the weeks after launching the website, and said its success was a “double-edged sword”.
“Sad to say most have told me that they suffered in silence because they did not know where to turn,” Ms Grant said.
“It is really a double-edged sword. I am delighted that so many have visited the website we set up.
“But, at the same time, I am taken aback by the fact that across the Highlands, Islands and Moray, there are so many people who have been or continue to be adversely treated by bullies.
“What makes the whole situation worse is the fact that the 7,242 who have accessed our site account for a tiny proportion of people in this area who suffer bullying or harassment.
“This just shows what a real problem and issue this type of antisocial behaviour is.
“A particularly pleasing aspect, though, is the fact that individuals and organisations have made favourable comments about this site and they have also suggested ways we can improve it”.
Mrs Grant thanked all those who have visited the site and said that she will be discussing feedback with her team in the coming weeks to work out what more needs to be done to combat the blight of bullying.
She added: “At this stage I am still minded to consider consulting widely on the benefits or otherwise of trying to make bullying a specific offence. This would of course be similar to other type offences such as stalking where there is a specific offence now under the Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010, a bill I was instrumental in progressing.
“I am determined to do my bit and take whatever action is necessary to make sure that at last bullying will not be tolerated in a 21st century society.”