Groups that run anti-bullying programmes say they are unable to provide services desperately needed by schools because of funding cuts.
Service providers gathered in Auckland on Tuesday to share ideas on how to best stop the threatening behaviour.
The Peace Foundation implements the Cool Schools programme which teaches young people life skills, including how to stay safe.
But national trainer Christina Barruel says it is struggling to stay afloat after losing $200,000 in annual funding from the Ministry of Education at the end of last year.
Ms Barruel says the foundation has had to halve its staff and schools now have to go on a waiting list, meaning some are not getting help fast enough.
Other sector groups are also affected by funding cuts, she says.
