CANTON — A technology survey of Creekland Middle School students revealed many of them did not know anyone who had been cyber bullied, but a recent program conducted by the school showed the consequences if any student chose to bully anyone through the use of technology.

Lt. Jamie Gianfala with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office presented information to the students about how to recognize cyber bullying as well as all other forms of abuse.

“Any type of bullying whether physical, sexual or cyber will not be tolerated,” Gianfala said. “We are committed to educating our children about the effects of bullying. Parents are encouraged to know what’s going in their children’s daily activities, monitor the Internet and sit down and talk with their kids about bullying.”

Principal Dr. Deborah Wiseman and the school’s media specialist, Anne West, who teaches information literacy skills to the students, said they saw a need for the program when results of a student technology survey showed a small minority of students had experienced a form of cyber bullying.

“No matter how small the percentage of students that state that they have been bullied or know someone who has is, it’s always unacceptable,” West said.

West said the students responded well to the program.

“They were able to make connections to stories of real-life situations that he shared with what happens in their daily lives,” West said.

West said students will continue learning about cyber bullying through Internet safety lessons offered in the media center.

Gianfala added resources are available to help parents and guardians address bullying with their children, and anyone who wants more information can contact him at jsgianfala@cherokeega.com.