During an assembly at Shore Road School, Nassau County Police Officer Sharon Galvin addressed sixth-grade students about the perils of cyberbullying and the importance of Internet safety. She encouraged the students to be “upstanders,” or people who make a difference in the world. She cautioned them on having too many followers on social media and reminded them that Snapchat and Instagram, like all social media, can be traced by police officials.

“This is no joke,” Officer Galvin told the students. “Technology comes with a big responsibility, and nothing is private on the Internet.”

Officer Galvin also gave suggestions on how to handle a threatening or harassing message online. She encouraged the students to tell the perpetrator to stop, to block or un-follow that person, and to tell a trusted adult about any problem they are having online.