GREENWOOD, Ind. -- Cyber bullying and sexting were on the minds of middle school students at Center Grove Middle School on Thursday as they listened intently to the school's police chief.

Center Grove Schools Police Chief Bill Spitler injected humor into his presentation about bullying over the Internet, a practice some consider more insidious than standard bullying because it happens online and out of sight, 6News' Chris Pisano reported.

Video: School Talk Targets Cyber Bullies, Sexters

"Cyber bullying is basically tormenting people by using either a computer or mobile phone," Spitler said to students.

Spitler explained the pitfalls of cyber bullying and sexting, sending sexually explicit messages and pictures, telling students that neither is tolerated, mixing in jokes and real world examples along the way.

"You've got to take it serious, but you don't have to take yourself serious," he said. "In other words, the easiest way to communicate with kids is by humor."

Through humor and role playing, students were taught the difference between harmless online banter and legitimate threats.

Some of the students already have experience with inappropriate communication online and through phones.

"I know one of my friends, she hasn't gotten really mean messages, but she's gotten hurtful messages on her cell phone," said Katie Swaney, a seventh-grader.

"I think if one kid gets bullied at any school, it's a serious problem," Spitler said.

Center Grove students who are found to be engaged in cyber bullying face punishment that ranges from suspension to criminal charges.

Spitler said he will be talking to groups of students all month about cyber bullying and sexting.