Promoting safer and more inclusive digital spaces, the University of Northern Philippines College of Criminal Justice Education (UNP-CCJE) brought its advocacy against cyberbullying to Puro National High School in Barangay Puro, Caoayan, Ilocos Sur through “Safe Screens, Equal Voices: A Gender-Sensitive Approach to Cyberbullying Prevention” on September 24, 2026.
The initiative responded to students’ growing exposure to cyberbullying, online harassment, discrimination, and gender-based abuse in social media and other digital platforms. It equipped learners with practical understanding to identify harmful online behavior, respond responsibly to cyberbullying incidents, respect gender differences, and uphold responsible digital citizenship in navigating the digital environment.
Dr. Loida Rilveria, Project Member and Resource Speaker, led the discussion on the nature, forms, causes, and consequences of cyberbullying, giving students a deeper understanding of how harmful online behavior can affect individuals and the wider school community. She identified common forms of cyberbullying, including repeated online harassment, threats, humiliation, the dissemination of harmful or embarrassing content, impersonation, and deliberate exclusion from digital spaces. She further explained the circumstances and behaviors that may contribute to cyberbullying and discussed its potential effects on students’ emotional well-being, relationships, sense of safety, confidence, and participation in school activities.
Dr. Rilveria likewise presented practical preventive measures and appropriate responses to cyberbullying, emphasizing the importance of responsible online behavior, critical awareness, seeking assistance from trusted adults or appropriate authorities, and taking proactive steps to help maintain safer digital spaces.
Meanwhile, Ms. Jacqueline Castillo, Project Leader and Resource Speaker, broadened the discussion by emphasizing the importance of respect, dignity, and equality in addressing gender-related concerns both online and offline. She encouraged students to communicate using respectful and inclusive language, recognize individual differences, and reject gender-based discrimination, prejudice, stereotypes, and other forms of harmful behavior.
Ms. Castillo stressed that every individual deserves to be treated with dignity and fairness regardless of gender identity or expression. She also highlighted the need for responsible interaction in social media and other digital platforms, where words, images, and actions can have lasting effects on others. Through her discussion, students were encouraged to become more conscious of their role in creating respectful, inclusive, and supportive spaces while actively contributing to the prevention of gender-based harassment and discrimination in both physical and digital communities.
The activity was spearheaded and organized by Dr. Edwin Cerna, Unit Extension Coordinator, Project Leader, and Organizer, under the leadership of Dr. Sine Bestre, Dean of the College of Criminal Justice Education. Supporting the implementation as facilitators were Prof. Myline Aleson, Dr. Mervic Pariñas, Prof. Lorna Navarro, Ms. Janel Marie Abero, Mr. Ryan Christian Sarabia, and Ms. Charmaine Angela Ancho-Rabara, whose collective efforts contributed to the effective delivery of the discussions and learning activities.
The initiative forms part of the UNP-CCJE’s continuing extension efforts to equip students with the knowledge, awareness, and practical skills needed to recognize, prevent, and appropriately respond to cyberbullying, online harassment, discrimination, and gender-based abuse. It further advances the College’s commitment to promote gender-responsive, respectful, inclusive, and responsible digital practices, empower learners to become more conscientious digital citizens and active contributors to a safer, more supportive, and inclusive school community both online and offline.
Article & Photos by Charmaine Angela Ancho-Rabara
