The survey, commissioned by the National Crime Prevention Council and conducted by Harris Interactive, found that nearly half the teens surveyed said cyber-bullying happens because a cyber-bully does not perceive any tangible consequences.

Cyber-bullying results in painful and serious consequences for teens including suicide, school violence and depression, the National Crime Prevention Council said.

The council said teens can help prevent cyber-bullying by:

-- Refusing to pass along cyber-bullying messages.

-- Telling friends to stop cyber-bullying.

-- Blocking communication with cyber-bullies.

-- Report cyber-bullying to a trusted adult.

For more on cyberbullying prevention see: http://www.ncpc.org/cyberbullying.