How Do I Stop Cyberbullying

Editor's Note: With school back in session, the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office is urging parents to discuss online safety and online behavior with their children. The following is a "tip sheet" the office sent out on Friday.

Cyberbullys may do the following:

• Pretend they are other people online to trick others
• Spread lies about victims
• Send or Forward mean text messages
• Post pictures of victims without permission

How can I prevent cyberbullying?

• Refuse to pass along mean messages
• Tell friends to stop
• Block communications from cyberbullys
• Report cyberbullying to a trusted adult

Bottom Line:  If you wouldn't say it in person, don't say it online!
How do I stay safe online?

• Never share personal information online (name, address, telephone number, school name, parents' names) or your friends' personal information
• Never share your Internet passwords, except with your parents
• Never meet face-to-face with people you met online
• Talk to your parents about what you do online