Police Gen. Archie Francisco Gamboa, chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), ordered on Sunday an intensified campaign against cyberbullying that victimizes elementary pupils and high school students in social media.
(PNP / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)
Gamboa issued the order after the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) received 19 complaints of cyberbullying in the first semester of the year, or from Jan. 1 to June 30, on Facebook and other social media platforms.
“With the surge of technological advancements, cybercrimes became one of the most prevalent modus nowadays. Oftentimes, cyberbullying is used by unscrupulous individuals to prey on the youth,” said Gamboa.
Gamboa said cyber-bullying is dangerous since it does not only affect the confidence and self-esteem of the victims but also lead to some victims committing suicide as a result of the embarrassment they experienced due to online bullying.
Cyberbullying is defined as a form of bullying done through the use of technology or any electronic means.
The PNP-ACG noted that cyberbullying complaints are expected to increase as victims become aware of how to report it by means of a new reporting system through social media, phone numbers, and emails.
Cases of cyberbullying have reportedly increased as more people went online as a result of the community quarantine measures implemented by the government since March 17 due to the threat of the coronavirus.
Gamboa encouraged parents to report any incidents of cyberbullying not only as a form of early intervention to help their kids but also to teach those who engage in cyberbullying a lesson.
“We urge our parents to monitor if there are changes in their child’s behavior. Should they confirm that their child has been victimized by a cyberbully or an online scammer, I encourage them to immediately identify the perpetrator and report it to the authorities,” said Gamboa.
The PNP-ACG and its Regional Anti-Cybercrime Units have created official Facebook pages that cater complaints and reports of any cases of cybercrimes, including cyberbullying, fake news proliferation, online scams, online photo and video voyeurism, and others.
Gamboa reiterated the utilization of social media as an avenue for proactive information and awareness activities as well as building a harmonious relationship with the community as servants and protectors of the people.