NO MATTER how old you are, whatever your walk in life and whether you are male or female, being subjected to bullying is a corrosive, destructive and desperately unhappy experience. It can take many forms, from teasing and name-calling to more sinister activities which can damage victims' health, confidence and self-esteem. But the end result is the same: those on the receiving end suffer misery and unhappiness. Sadly, Plymouth diving sensation Tom Daley is discovering that global fame and an immense sporting talent are no barriers to the misguided actions of others. Thanks to his prowess in his chosen discipline, his exploits and exposure to a worldwide TV audience during the Beijing Olympics, the 14-year-old is now one of the most famous sports people on the planet. His expertise at such a young age, his easy, personable manner and immense confidence means he is a magnet for the worldwide media. His future as a British sporting icon seems already mapped out, as is his path to wealth. Amazingly, he is coping with the pressures which such exposure inevitably brings extremely well; better, and with more maturity, than some older celebrities. But to his and his family's immense credit, they are determined to keep his feet firmly on the ground at home in Crownhill. When he is not competing on the international stage, this remarkable young man is happy to be simply just another pupil at Eggbuckland Community College. But sadly, as so many other youngsters discover at schools across the country, the classroom, playground and school corridors can be an unforgiving environment. And Tom has fallen victim to jibes and childish name-calling and antics of a minority of fellow pupils which are making his life a misery. Eggbuckland is not a college with a particular problem; it is a normal school, in a normal neighbourhood, and the majority of its pupils are a credit to it. But as Tom's father Rob told us, some have been overstepping the mark – and now he is considering removing his son. For all concerned, we hope it does not come to this. It is extraordinary for any school to have a global superstar in its pupil ranks, and it is perhaps inevitable that some youngsters will react badly through immaturity. The school has taken firm action, and imposed sanctions against some students. Let's hope the pupils responsible have learned that bullying will not be tolerated – and that Tom can continue his studies, like every other pupil should, without being subjected to taunts and inappropriate actions.