The Central Western Daily has learned of at least two recent incidents where students of primary school age have used the websites to torment a fellow user.

In one case, an Orange Public School student used their Bebo account to write nasty comments on a fellow student’s page.

Although the bullying took place while the children were at home, staff at the school raised the matter in a recent school newsletter after “more than one incident of cyber bullying” involving students from the school.

Police School Liaison Officer Amanda Beatty spoke to the school’s year 5 and 6 students about the dangers and penalties of cyber bullying last week.

Senior Constable Beatty, who normally works in high schools, also addressed students at St Joseph’s Primary School after a similar cyber bullying incident.

The penalties for cyber harassment include heavy fines and jail terms of up to five years.

In their statement of rights and responsibilities, both Facebook and Bebo state that users must be at least 13 before they can register for an account.

Senior Constable Beatty said although most cases of cyber bullying still involved older children, the problem was becoming more prevalent among younger age groups.

“It’s becoming more prevalent because technology’s getting better and, obviously, with increasing technology comes crime,” she said.

“My role is to educate them on the dangers of using the internet and also the penalties of sending insulting messages via the internet.”

Senior Constable Beatty said the majority of incidents involved females and that sexting was emerging as an even bigger problem among 13 to 16-year-olds.

Orange Public School principal John Webb said although the incidents occurred at home, the school was taking the matter seriously.

“We’re extremely unhappy about it because it’s against the law,” Mr Webb said.

“Our concern is if kids are starting to do this sort of thing now, what’s going to happen once they reach high school?”

St Joseph’s Primary School principal Michael Croke reminded parents to monitor their children’s internet usage.

“We’re aware that there’s often cyber bullying and we remind parents regularly to monitor their children,” he said.

Senior Constable Beatty recommended parents become familiar with sites their children use.

She also suggested parents remove computers from isolated locations such as bedrooms.