MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - A new school year is quickly approaching, and with it, an increased use of social media.

As students become more involved with these platforms, there is an unfortunate consequence: cyberbullying.

Cyberbullying is a legitimate problem, and it affects students of all ages. While the initial reaction to aggressive behavior online is to respond and defend oneself, the optimal course of action is exactly the opposite.

Lt. Frenger from the Meridian Police Department commented on the issue, stating that "...if you respond and reply maybe in kind, we can't then pursue any criminal charges if you threaten someone back".

As kids and teenagers are headed back to school, parents are advised to monitor their children's behavior online, just in case a cyberbullying problem arises.