Identify the sender; if a student has another student's identification, it is possible for them to pose as that student online.  Students should have ways they can identify a sender, such as asking them questions only the sender can answer.

Do not  respond to or retaliate for hurtful statements that are directed toward yourself or others.  Agreeing with people who make nasty statements about others has a way of getting back to the victims.  Retaliating statements are often shared and made public.  Words in print are difficult to deny or take back. 

Openly communicate with someone in authority or your parents when you receive a damaging message.

Never share your password.  Often students admit that they have told only their best friend or a couple of people that they trust.  Friendship fluctuation is quite common in high school--an old friend can become a new enemy and then your identification is in bad hands.

Think carefully before sending messages.  Once messages are sent, they cannot be taken back.

Print out messages that are threatening.  A paper trail will help authorities stop the harassment.  

Let the provider (for example, Facebook) know about the inappropriate conduct.

Actively change passwords and screen names on a regular basis.  This is easy to do and will help keep students' identification out of the hands of other people.

Learn as much as you can about the Internet and how to maintain your privacy.