A leading child psychologist last night praised the council's pledge to investigate possible widespread problems which may have led to the two suspected teenage suicides in the last month.
Dr Val Besag, a former teacher and educational psychologist from Jesmond, Newcastle, now recognised as a world expert on bullying, believes a proposed study is a "very responsible and sensible approach", but advised against mass-counselling of pupils.
She said: "It may be that the whole of society in that local community is failing these young people.
"If they have nothing to be excited about, to look forward too - that is a key element of suicidal thinking.
"It is too early to know yet whether bullying is a factor in this latest death, but certainly people believe it may be involved in the first and no one can eradicate bullying."
Northumberland