Graphic Beatbullying TV ad ban lifted

The Beatbullying commercial depicts a young girl sewing her mouth shut, to symbolise the fact that many young bullying victims suffer in silence.

Clearcast, the organisation that grants clearance to TV advertising, deemed the advert unsuitable for viewers after reading the proposed script.

But after the full version of the advert was made, Clearcast decided it could be broadcast after the 9pm watershed.

Clearcast spokeswoman Alice Shelley said: "We know bullying is a really important issue and TV ads are an excellent way of making people more aware of the problem. We're pleased this thought-provoking ad can now be seen by a much wider audience."

Emma-Jane Cross, chief executive of Beatbullying, said the advert would help raise the debate about ending bullying completely.

"Even with a post-watershed limit, we are confident that we will still reach millions of young people and encourage them to speak out against bullying," she explained.

"We are incredibly proud of this campaign and we know already that it is directing thousands of young people towards CyberMentors, a much-needed support service and a genuine lifeline to young people who are being bullied."