Natick Police, Superintendent Warn Parents of Cyberbullying in Town

Students in Natick Public Schools have allegedly been victims of harassment and bullying recently through social media websites.

In a joint letter sent by Superintendent Peter Sanchioni and Police Chief James Hicks, parents and guardians are being urged to monitor their children's computer use.

"Parents may consider removing computers and smart phones at night, when much of this activity occurs," the letter read. "Parents also may consider deleting their children's accounts."

Sanchioni and Hicks said the trend in students' use of social media websites is becoming dangerous, as students are being impersonated by others, with "inflammatory and derogatory" information and pictures being posted. 

"We strongly urge parents and guardians to monitor their children's online activity," the letter read. "This new trend has the potential to be both emotionally and physically damaging to our students."

Parents and guardians are urged to notify the appropriate website immediately if they encounter cyberbullying in order to have the account in question deactivated or investigated.

To report hacked, impersonation, hate and abusive accounts on Instagram visit http://help.instagram.com.

To report harassment, bullying and impersonation accounts on Facebook visit http://www.facebook.com/help/

To report abusive behavior on Twitter visit https://support.twitter.com/articles/2016( 98- reporting-abusive-behavior

To report abusive behavior on Vine visit https://support.twitter.com/forms/vine

"History has taught us that this type of behavior can result in tragedies and, therefore, it should not be taken lightly," the letter read. "Any student found to be involved in and/or responsible for this type of negative behavior will receive swift discipline from his/her school when the behavior affects the educational environment of the school. It must also be remembered that when appropriate, the Natick Police will prosecute."

For questions or more information, contact your school principal or the Natick Police School Resource Officers.