There is no denying that cyberbullying has seen a huge spike in cases ever since the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic broke out and everybody has been turning to technology to keep in touch with one another and conduct lessons and businesses.
Sadly, victims of cyberbullying don't always let others know what they have been suffering online. In a webinar called "Protecting the Youth from Cyberbullying" held on Wednesday afternoon with 2019 Ramon Magsaysay Awardee Kim Jong-ki, experts shared what tell-tale signs parents must watch out for in their kids that show they have been victimized by cyberbullies.
Fr. Fidel Orendain of the Don Bosco Community said that children who are victims of bullying often appear nervous and uneasy when receiving a text message or a message in social media.
They are unwilling to share any information about their online activities, and they are prone to mood swings, particularly sudden anger or depression after going online.
Orendain added that victims can be seen "withdrawing from friends and family, suicidal thoughts or suicide attempts, unexplained stomachaches or headaches, trouble sleeping, unexplained weight loss or gain."
Experts added that adults have a huge role to play in the prevention of cyberbullying, as children often mirror what their parents or elders do.
"Empathy, compassion, and sensitivity are usually developed in children via role modeling, and in the case of homes, from the parents and other members of the household," said Ysrael "Ace" Diloy,
Senior Advocacy Officer of Stairway Foundation Inc.
Many parents get so wrapped up with work and their day-to-day lives that they don't notice the plights or their children or realize they are harming others -- either online or offline.
"Thus, adults should model empathy in their everyday activities at home. As much as it is difficult, they must also set aside some time to talk to their children purposely to talk about stuff like this," added Diloy.
Diloy also stressed the need to integrate child online protection, including cyberbullying prevention, in a child's everyday lessons instead of just conducting "one-off" advocacy activities.
However, this has become more difficult now as schools are shifting to online classes and learning. Orendain said that it is admittedly a huge challenge that they are trying to bring online the "face to face familiarity" in schools.
"Online learning is challenging our identity and the way we educate. We have resolved to increase our presence by way of talks and conferences and even faith celebrations. We also have made ourselves available for counseling," he said.