16/03/2022
NO TO CYBERBULLYING!
People have more freedom to express their opinions on various social media platforms in this technological age, and others get cyber-attacks daily. Cyberbullying is becoming a main concern today, especially for teenagers who use these platforms and abuse their right to freedom of speech.
Recently, a mother reached out to us to report her daughter's classmates for cyberbullying.
Could teenagers be penalized? - Yes. The Anti-bullying Act of 2013 (RA 10626) protects the rights of an individual who is bullied by ANY person and this includes cyberbullying.
Aside from this, the "Republic Act 7610 also known as Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act" can also be used to penalize the perpetrators.
Could those who shared the post and cyber-attacked the victim be penalized? - Only the original author of the post is held liable according to the Implementing Rules of RA 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012). That is why sharers or likers of the post cannot be held liable in this law. However, The Anti-bullying Act of 2013 (RA 10626) could penalize the sharers who stated hate comments against the victim.
Our professionals could guide our clients on what to do. They could coordinate with the school, social workers, Women and Children's Protection Desk (WPCD) of the local Philippine National Police (PNP), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), or Department of Justice (DOJ) for legal purposes.
For inquiries, contact our law firm immediately. We will fight diligently to protect you, your rights, and your future.
Photo Credit: www.canva.com
