BOSTON -- Many parents think schools are one of the safest places for their children, but a recent survey shows it may be the place many kids face Internet bullying the most.

The National Parent-Teacher Organization shows 45 percent of pre-teens said they have been cyber-bullied at school, while 30 percent of teens saying they've had the same experience.

The national PTO said today’s increasing technology and computer use in the classroom has lead to more un-monitored online use among school-age children. Growing access to cell phones has also led to more online bullies among kids, the results showed.

The phone survey was conducted among more than 1,000 teens, age 12 to 17, and pre-teens age 6 to 11.

Some schools in several states, including Arkansas, Delaware, Idaho, New Jersey and Iowa, have enacted strict rules to help combat the problem.

Maine-based online safety organization, Working To Halt Online Abuse , also found similar results in a study, and the bullying was being done by classmates.

“Kids usually got cyber-bullied at school or from their friends from school,” said Jayne Hitchcock, WHOA president. “Some kids want to get back at others anonymously online, rather than do it in person and the Internet sometimes brings out something that people usually don’t do in person, even kids.”

Hitchcock said parents can help preventing their kids from cyber-bullying by simply learn how the instant messenger, social networking sites, or online games work.

“You can talk to your kids and learn from them about what they are doing online,” said Hitchcock. “Kids love to show off.”

Hitchcock also said parents should encourage their kids to tell them if they've faced any troubles online.

“Children are afraid to tell their parents when they are bullied, because they’re afraid the parent would freak out,” said Hitchcock. “Some are afraid that they would get in trouble if the parents knew. Parents have to let them know that it’s OK.”