Senator Nancy Binay. INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Alarmed by the “aggravating effects” of cyberbullying, neophyte Senator Nancy Binay has recommended the integration of “cyberethics” into the basic education curriculum.
Binay’s proposal was contained in Senate Resolution No. 474 “recommending to the Department of Education to integrate cyberethics into the basic education curriculum with the intention of educating the Filipino youth the proper use of social media.”
“The lack of education and supervision of the youth on the proper use of social media coupled with the fact that cyberbullying is a common occurrence in social media lead the youth to the mistaken view that cyberbullying is acceptable,” said the resolution.
“The aggravating effects of cyberbullying are alarming, daunting and detrimental to the development of youth,” it added.
The resolution also pointed out that under Article XIV, Section 2 of the 1987 Constitution, the state is mandated to “establish, maintain, and support a complete, adequate, and integrated system of education relevant to the needs of the people and society.”
“Whereas, the integration of cyberethics to the curriculum of basic education must be a
priority of the Department of Education in response to the changing needs of Filipino youth brought about by advancements in technology particularly social media,” it further said.
A similar resolution was filed at the House of Representatives by Kabataan Party List Representative Terry Ridon.
Binay said Ridon’s measure and his “ardent efforts to advance the need for cyberethics education for the youth” was an “inspiration” that merits the support of the Senate.
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