Cheryl Cole has spoken out about cyber bullying and claims she has been the victim of taunts herself.

The problem is often rife on social networking websites such as Twitter and Facebook, both for celebrities and the general public.

Speaking to Grazia magazine, the Girls Aloud singer said that she has been a victim of cyber bulling too, with people calling her "fat" and mocking her appearance. She said:

"In the last few years, I've been bullied on Facebook and Twitter. It's evil and very public. People judge my appearance and hair, and say that I look fat."

Cole added that she wanted to highlight the issue of cyber bullying after working with youths via the Cheryl Cole Foundation. She added:

"I get what these kids have gone through because I had a tough upbringing and I understand what it feels like to get bullied like some of them. I want to help these young people because I know how it feels to come out on the other side and be someone who achieves."