"Speaking Up and Stepping Up Against Cyberbullying in Our School, Where Every Click Counts"

Why should our campus, a place meant for learning, collaboration, and growth, become a breeding ground for the toxic seeds of cyberbullying? Shouldn't our digital interactions reflect the respect and kindness we expect in our physical interactions within these hallowed halls? 

Cyberbullying usually involves the use of technologies such as social media, texting or messaging, online games, etc. It is a type of bullying that takes place through online platforms to harass and humiliate a person. This can include spreading false rumours, posting or commenting on offensive language or images, imitating someone, etc. Anyone of age can do cyberbullying or be a victim of it, whether it be exclusion, harassment, cyberstalking, outing, doxing, trolling etc., especially now that we make so much use of the internet and incorporate it in our daily lives. It is most common among the youth. 

People who are affected by cyberbullying, specifically, students can affect their academic performance and can be jeopardized. Constantly doing these actions can make it difficult for students to focus on their responsibilities which would lead to a decline in their productivity and affect how they would function daily. This may also result in avoidance of school or altogether dropping out, limiting their access to education and opportunities.

Constant cyberbullying can also lead to a sense of social exclusion, making people feel detached and secluded from others this can also show the fear of humiliation by the simplest things due to the fact that people are capable of shaming and threatening via social media, this thought alone can make many people feel vulnerable with their surroundings with the thought that anyone can physically or verbally harm them. 

According to CHNR (2022), Since extended openness to the media can increase victimization, Filipinos may be exposed to the damaging impacts of the media for a longer time than others. There has been an upsurge in the number of subjects of cyberbullying in the Philippines, and little research has tackled this issue.  In a survey conducted in the Philippines, it was discovered that 80% of 1,143 respondents aged 13-16 years experienced cyberbullying.

As with the internet being everywhere, so will cyberbullying if not controlled, this form of bullying has to be taken notice of because of its possible intense prevalence. This is why we students are here to share our ways to prevent this issue from starting within our campus by having Peer Support Programs, Anonymous Reporting Systems, Tear-off Posters, and Collaboration with Student Organizations.

REMEMBER, each positive action you take, whether it's promoting kindness, reporting incidents, or being a supportive friend, contributes to the creation of a digital space that reflects the values we hold dear. Together, we can build a school community that stands united against cyberbullying, nurturing a generation of responsible digital citizens who use technology to uplift and connect rather than harm.

Let's continue the conversation, share our knowledge, and work hand in hand to create a space where every student can thrive both online and offline. Your commitment to cyberbullying prevention makes a significant impact, and together, we can make a difference in the lives of those around us.