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Cyber Bullying Curriculum Incorporated In SF Public Schools

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) -- All 55,000 San Francisco public school students are learning how to spot and avoid cyber bullying. In an effort to teach kids how to be safe and smart online, Common Sense Media is heading a program for K through 12th grade on the topic along with privacy and ethical behavior.

Merve Lapus with Common Sense told us their program is now being implemented as part of the curriculum.

"Sometimes kids that engage in cyber bullying aren't necessarily being malicious. Sometimes they're just mad about one thing," Lapus said.

Andre is a 7th grader at Aptos Middle School and thinks the district wide training will be helpful.

Cyber Bullying Curriculum Incorporated In SF Public Schools

"It's a good thing because it teaches kids what not to do, what to do and how to help," he said.

And the issue of cyber bullying is real to District Attorney George Gascon.

"56 percent of our young people are reporting that they are being victims of cyber bullying." Gascon said with increasing internet access in schools and among the young, it is important for kids to learn at an early age to learn how to be good cyber citizens.

(Copyright 2013 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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