Bellmore-Merrick middle-schoolers get a lesson in cyber-bullying

Bellmore-Merrick middle school students recently learned that bullying could creep into all aspects of their lives –– including on the Internet. Thanks to a program sponsored by parents and police, though, the preteens now have the information and tools they need to stay safe in cyber-space.

Sharon Galvin, a Nassau County community affairs police officer, visited Merrick Avenue and Grand Avenue middle schools on Nov. 22 to discuss cyber-bullying with eighth-graders. The program was brought to the schools in partnership with the Bellmore-Merrick Community Parent Center.

Central High School District officials said Galvin’s presentation educated students about what cyber-bullying is, what the laws are governing it, and its causes and effects, as well as how students can protect themselves on the Internet.

“We try to empower them to make better choices,” Galvin said. “One of the things I like to say to the kids is that if you can’t say it or show it in person, you really shouldn’t be putting it on the Internet.”

Galvin said that an estimated 160,000 children nationally stay home from school on any given day as a result of bullying, and she stressed the importance of students telling adults about any bullying they see to help ensure a safe environment free of harassment. She also discussed how law enforcement becomes involved in cyber-bullying cases and how students’ actions today can affect them in the future.

Parent Center Executive Director Wendy Tepfer said she was pleased with the program. “What we truly believe is that the kids need to be educated and their awareness raised about bullying and cyber-bullying,” she said. “We know that cyber-bullying is