Published by: Mherry Vhine Macalalag
Date Published: September 2, 2025
Time Published: 9:24 AM
Every single decision that we make, whether big or small can affect someone else. In today’s digital world, where messages are sent in seconds and words linger forever online, one reckless comment can destroy a person’s confidence, mental health, or even their life. This is why thinking carefully before clicking “send” is more important than ever.
Cyberbullying isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a real and growing threat that thrives on thoughtless actions. The continuous spreading of online bullying will lead to a serious problem that’ll have a big impact on the victims. What’s most alarming is that cyberbullying doesn’t discriminate—anyone can be targeted.
According to a poll released by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) on September 6, 2019, one in three young people across 30 countries reported being victims of online bullying. Even more alarming, one in five said they had skipped school because of the cyberbullying and violence they faced.
These numbers highlight just how serious and widespread this issue is. They prove that cyberbullying isn't just an online problem—it’s a mental health crisis. It can shatter a person’s well-being and drastically lower their quality of life. The emotional toll doesn’t fade quickly; healing can take months or even years. And for some, the scars never fully go away.
UNICEF also reports that cyberbullying affects nearly half of children aged 13 to 17, with rates almost equal across genders—44% of males and 43% of females. Among these victims, one in three experienced verbal abuse online, while one in four were targeted with sexual messages.
These statistics reveal just how deeply cyberbullying affects all kinds of young people, exposing them to emotional harm and even exploitation. They also uncover a harsh truth: bullying doesn’t discriminate by age or gender. If you're targeted, there are often no signs and no warnings, it’ll strike at any time.
That’s why, if you ever find yourself on the receiving end, it’s important to stay aware and protect your peace. Know that you don’t have to face it alone. Reach out to trusted friends, family members, or professionals. Seeking help isn’t a sign of weakness, it’s a step toward healing.
But beyond healing, there’s a larger truth we must all face: cyberbullying doesn’t just hurt feelings—it ruins lives. There have been cases where young victims couldn’t take the pain any longer and made the heartbreaking decision to end their lives. Their names become hashtags, but for their families, the grief lasts forever. If we continue to treat online cruelty as “just words,” we’ll keep losing more people to silence and shame.
Every comment has weight. Every message has an impact. And every one of us has the responsibility to choose kindness.
We should always apply the principle of “thinking a hundred times” before acting. Especially in the digital world, where our words can reach hundreds in seconds and leave scars that last for years. Every online interaction should reflect the same empathy and respect we offer in face-to-face conversations.
Social media is a powerful tool, but its power depends on how we use it. We can choose to build others up, or tear them down. We must not waste the opportunity that technology gives us to connect, share, and grow. Instead of spreading fear, toxicity, or hate, let’s use our platforms to raise awareness, lift others, and stand against online cruelty.
Because the truth is, being kind is free—but the cost of cruelty is far too high. If each of us commits to making the internet a safer space, we can help end the toxic culture that allows cyberbullying to thrive. It starts with one small decision: speak up, reach out, and always choose compassion. Change doesn’t begin with hashtags. It begins with us.
[:REFERENCES:]
[1] Asasher. (2023, September 28). Types of bullying: How to recognize and stop bullying in the classroom. https://www.cceionline.com/types-of-bullying-how-to-recognize-and-stop-bullying-in-the-classroom-2/#:~:text=Bullying%20behaviors%20can%20range%20from,verbal,%20relational,%20and%20cyberbullying.
[2] UNICEF. (2019, September 6). Online bullying remains prevalent in Philippines, other countries. https://www.unicef.org/philippines/press-releases/online-bullying-remains-prevalent-philippines-other-countries#:~:text=In%20the%20Philippines%2C%20latest%20national,females%20(43%20per%20cent).
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