Experts expressed alarm over the cyberbullying and bashing directed at the 13-year-old daughter of Jonel Nuezca who figured in a sensitive video of a crime in Tarlac.
The Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) which is an attached agency of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) explained that the cognitive skills of minors are dynamic and fresh.
“Ang bata po, ang pag-uugali niya ay product ng kaniyang environment. Nagre-reflect po sa kaniya kung paano siya pinalaki ng magulang niya (The behavior of a child is a product of his/her environment. It reflects how he/she were raised by his/her parents),” CWC Public Affairs and Information Office OIC Andre Canilang elucidated.
Experts explained that the daughter of Nuezca is also a victim who should not be condemned, bashed, or bullied. Her photos should also be spared from being circulated over the social media because the incident is traumatic enough. This could trigger anxiety for her and other minors who witnessed the killing.
“‘Yung bata rin ay mayroong karapatang maprotektahan laban sa lahat ng pang-aabuso, pati na sa cyberviolence (She also has the right to be protected against abuse and cyberviolence),” Canilang stated.
The experts explained that the child may even show feelings of guilt and blame herself. She is set to be brought to the attention and intervention of an expert.
The CWC cited a study in 2016 which found out that children who have been exposed to violence could conversely do the same and hurt somebody else as well. – Report from Allan Francisco
