High school students learn to protect themselves from cyberbullying

MALVERNE, Long Island (PIX11) — Students at a high school on Long Island learned ways to protect themselves online Thursday.

The training was hosted by Safe Center Long Island, an agency that helps people dealing with interpersonal and domestic violence.

The students were taught how to create safe passwords and what information should be shared online.

“Students and children spend an enormous amount of time online and we think it’s important they are held accountable for the info they share and how they communicate with their friends,” said Lorraine DiFiglia of Safe Center Long Island.

Kesha Bascombe, the principal at Malverne High School says students must learn this information now.

“It sets the tone of the school year. Kids are constantly on social media and our goal is that they are exploring and coming into their own self and being safe,” Bascombe said.

Kaiden Ulysse, 16, is a student at Malverne High School. Ulysse is on board with a new school policy that bans cell phones for students during the day since he’s seen cyberbullying happen amongst his peers.

“I’ve seen it and I have done my best to help my peers when those things happen,” said Ulysse.

Junior Evelyn Brown has seen cyberbullying too.

“You’ll see negative comments on TikTok videos, you’ll see just maybe a text message between friends and say, oh, that’s not a nice thing to say,” Brown said. “Cyberbullying is really everywhere, and it’s a sad fact that as technology gets more advanced, this is what we have to live with.”

“Change your passwords often. If you’re being cyberbullied, block the account, report the account,” DiFiglia said.

Safe Center Long Island also encourages anyone who is being cyberbullied to talk to a trusted adult.

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