Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying has become a growing concern in the Philippines.
Essentially, cyberbullying doesn’t differ much from the type of bullying
that many children have unfortunately grown accustomed to in school.
The only difference is that it takes place online.
But before we delve deeper, what bullying and cyberbullying really
are?
Anti-Bullying Act of 2013 also known as Republic Act No. 10627
of the Philippines defined bullying as any severe or repeated use of
written, verbal, or electronic expressions, or a physical act or gesture
directed at another person that causes reasonable fear of physical or
emotional harm, disrupts the educational process, or creates a hostile
environment at school. Specifically, Section 2-D of RA 10627 states
that when these acts of bullying are committed online and occur
through electronic means, including social media platforms, it can be
classified as cyberbullying.
Cyberbullying includes various forms of harassment that occur
via digital platforms, such as sending hurtful messages, posting
embarrassing photos, or creating derogatory social media groups
aimed at targeting individuals. The National Crime Prevention Council
also described it as using the internet or mobile technology to harass
or intimidate others. This form of bullying is particularly insidious due
to the anonymity it provides for the perpetrators and the potential of
rapid dissemination of harmful content.
And that is cyberbullying. But to deepen your knowledge more
about cyberbullying, here are some facts you should know:
The Philippine government has enacted laws such as the Anti-
Bullying Act of 2013 (Republic Act No. 10627) to address bullying
in schools, including provisions that specifically target
cyberbullying. This is further strengthened with Republic Act No.
10175 also known as Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
Cyberbullying involves the use of electronic communication to
harass, threaten, or intimidate individuals, particularly among
adolescents. It can occur through social media, messaging apps,
and online gaming platforms.
Cyberbullying is a significant issue among Filipino youth, with
many experiencing various forms of online harassment during
their school years.
Common forms of cyberbullying include spreading rumors,
sharing embarrassing photos or videos, sending threatening
messages, and creating fake profiles to impersonate others.
Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are
frequently used for cyberbullying incidents. The accessibility of
these platforms makes it easier for bullies to target their victims.
The anonymity provided by the internet often encourages
perpetrators, making them more likely to engage in aggressive
behavior that they might not exhibit in face-to-face interactions.
Victims of cyberbullying can experience severe emotional
distress, including anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation.
The psychological effects can lead to long-term mental health
issues.
Many victims do not report incidents of cyberbullying due to fear
of revenge or a belief that nothing will be done. This
underreporting makes it difficult to fully understand the extent of
the problem.
Here in the Philippines, there are significant laws that addresses
cyberbullying in the country. Specifically, there are 2: Cybercrime
Prevention Act of 2012 (Republic Act No. 10175) and the Anti-Bullying
Act of 2013 (Republic Act No. 10627).
The RA 10175, also known as Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012,
serves as the core for regulating cybercrimes in the Philippines,
including various forms of online harassment such as cyberbullying.
The Cybercrime Prevention Act criminalizes actions like cyber libel,
identity theft, and online harassment, providing a legal basis for
victims to seek justice. Under this act, victims can file complaints with
the Department of Justice’s Office of Cybercrime, which can lead to
legal actions against perpetrators. Furthermore, the law defines
cyberbullying broadly as acts using information and communications
technology to intimidate or harass individuals, encompassing
behaviors such as posting defamatory statements or sharing
unauthorized images.
Another law is the RA 10627, also known as Anti-Bullying Act of
2013, was enacted September 2, 2013 which specifically targets
bullying in educational settings, including cyberbullying. It mandates
all elementary and secondary schools in the Philippines to adopt
comprehensive anti-bullying policies that address both traditional and
online forms of bullying. Schools are required to implement procedures
for reporting and addressing incidents of bullying, ensuring that
students are protected from harassment in all forms. The act gives
importance to the need for educational institutions to take proactive
measures against cyberbullying and outlines disciplinary actions
against students who engage in such behavior.
Even with these laws, enforcing them can be difficult. Many
cyberbullies hide their identities online, making it hard to hold them
accountable. Victims often do not know their rights or how to report
incidents, which leads to many cases going unreported. These laws in
the Philippines provide important protections against cyberbullying and
gives opportunities for the victims to voice out and attain justice in the
world full of cruelty.
There are also various factors that contribute to why individuals
engage in cyberbullying
1. Many cyberbullies seek to feel more powerful or gain popularity
among their peers. They may believe that by bullying others
online, they can enhance their social status.
2. Some individuals participate in cyberbullying because they think
their friends are doing it or because they want to fit in with a
certain group. This peer pressure can lead to a cycle of negative
behavior.
3. Children who are not monitored by their parents while using the
internet are more likely to engage in cyberbullying. A poor
relationship with parents can also contribute to this behavior.
4. Some bullies may have their own emotional problems, such as
low self-esteem or a history of being bullied themselves. This can
lead them to take out their frustrations on others online.
These may result to consequences which can be severe and long-
lasting for victims, as well as for those who engage in bullying
behaviors:
1. Victims often experience higher rates of depression and anxiety.
Studies indicate that cyberbullying can lead to feelings of
worthlessness and low self-esteem, which can persist even after
the bullying has stopped.
2. The stress and anxiety caused by cyberbullying can manifest
physically, leading to issues such as headaches, stomachaches,
and sleep disturbances.
3. Victims may struggle to concentrate on schoolwork, leading to
poor academic performance and increased absenteeism. Many
students report skipping school due to fear of being bullied.
4. The impact of cyberbullying can be so severe that it leads some
victims to contemplate suicide. Research has shown that victims
are significantly more likely to report suicidal thoughts compared
to those who have not experienced bullying.
5. Those who engage in cyberbullying may also face negative
outcomes, including increased risk for substance abuse,
difficulties maintaining relationships, and potential legal troubles
as they grow older.
According to PISA, 65% of Filipino students reported being
victims of any type of bullying at least a few times a month, with 40%
experiencing it frequently-once a week or more. This alarming statistic
highlights the pervasive nature of bullying in schools across the
country.
On the other hand, the PISA 2022 reports that one out three
Filipino students are being bullied in schools. This is about 43% of girls
and 53% of boys in the Philippines encounter bullying incidents
multiple times a month. This is much higher than the OECD average of
20% of girls, and 21% of boys.
Cyberbullying is also prevalent, with studies showing that 56.1%
of youth in the Philippines have experienced cyberbullying in the last
year. A survey indicated that 80% of teenagers aged 13 to 16 reported
encountering cyberbullying at some point.
Among those who experience cyberbullying, approximately 57%
are female and 43% are male. This suggests that girls may be more
susceptible to online harassment.
The primary platforms for cyberbullying incidents include
Facebook, which is widely used among youth. Recent surveys indicate
that 42% of cyberbullying cases occur on Instagram, while 37% occur
on Facebook. Other platforms such as Snapchat and messaging apps
also contribute to the prevalence of online harassment.
The effects of cyberbullying can be severe and long-lasting.
Victims of bullying and cyberbullying often experience mental health
issues, including social anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts as a
result of their experiences. Additionally, victims may experience
feelings of anger, frustration, and low self-esteem, which somehow can
lead to academic decline and social withdrawal.
Dealing with cyberbullying requires a thorough and united effort.
One important step is to raise awareness and educate everyone
involved. Schools and parents should work together to hold talks and
activities that teach kids how to spot, stop, and deal with
cyberbullying.
It’s also important to enforce and promote existing laws, like the
Anti-Bullying Act of 2013 (RA 10627) and the Cybercrime Prevention
Act of 2012 (RA 10175). These laws provide strong protections against
cyberbullying, but more people need to know about them. Schools
should have clear rules on how to handle cyberbullying, including how
students can report it and the consequences for those who bully.
Many victims stay silent because they’re scared of being
targeted even more. If they can report incidents without revealing their
identity, they’ll feel safer. Teaching kids about being responsible and
respectful online is another key step. They should learn about
protecting their privacy and treating others kindly in the digital world.
Schools can offer counseling to help victim students deal with
the emotional pain caused by cyberbullying. At the same time, bullies
should get help to understand and change their behavior.
Lastly, it’s important to regularly check how well anti-
cyberbullying programs are working. By collecting feedback and
looking at reports, schools and communities can improve their
strategies and stay ahead of new problems. With these steps, we can
create a safer and more respectful online space for everyone.
If you or someone you know is a victim of cyberbullying, don’t
stay silent. Report the incident to trusted adults or authorities.
If not now, when would be the right time for you to Speak Up, Stand
Together, and Stop Cyberbullying?
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