Cyberbullying Explained (2012–2025 Update)

Cyberbullying in the Philippines: From 2012 to 2025

Cyberbullying Then and Now

Back in 2012, cyberbullying was already seen as a growing threat, with Facebook and SMS as the primary battlegrounds. Fast forward to 2025: harassment has taken new forms, including AI-generated deepfakes, impersonation, and coordinated online mobbing, making the issue more complex and damaging.

Cybercrime and Cyberbullying in the Philippines

In 2020, the top five cybercrimes reported in the Philippines were:

• Online scams
• Online libel
• Computer-related identity theft
• Anti-photo and video voyeurism
• Illegal access to online accounts

At least three of these crimes feed directly into cyberbullying:

• Online libel – defamation, harassment, shaming.
• Identity theft / impersonation – fake accounts used to humiliate or attack.
• Voyeurism / illegal access – weaponizing private content against victims.

What Is Cyberbullying?

The Philippines has no standalone “cyberbullying” law. But we can draw from Republic Act 10627 (Anti-Bullying Act of 2013), which defines bullying as:

“Any severe or repeated use … of a written, verbal or electronic expression … directed at another … that causes fear, emotional harm, creates a hostile environment, or disrupts school or organizational processes.”

(RA 10627 Full Text)

Globally, UNICEF defines cyberbullying as bullying that uses digital technologies, repeated behavior intended to scare, shame, or harm (UNICEF).

When Cyberbullying Is Not

• Protected speech (opinions, criticism, satire, creative works) is generally not cyberbullying.
• However, if expression crosses into harm — harassment, defamation, humiliation, or threats — it becomes punishable.

screen grab of Sonnie’s talk about (cyber)bullying

Forms of Cyberbullying (Updated 2025)

• Cyber lynching / mobbing – group pile-ons or cancel culture.
• Canceling – deliberate exclusion or reputational destruction.
• Impersonation / identity theft – fake accounts or hacked profiles.
• Flaming – vulgar, abusive fights online.
• Text bullying / dark social – harassment via SMS or chat apps.
• Creative bullying – use of memes, altered images, or AI deepfakes.
• Outing – manipulating victims into revealing embarrassing information.
• Cyberbaiting – students provoking teachers, recording them for ridicule.

Recent studies show AI now fuels harassment: e.g. AI-generated deepfakes weaponized against classmates in Spain and Australia (The Guardian, NY Post).

Why It Matters: Suicide & Mental Health

Victims of cyberbullying are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.

• WHO (2024): 1 in 6 school-aged children in Europe reported being cyberbullied (WHO Europe).

• U.S. data (2025): 36.6% of boys and 28.6% of girls reported recent cyberbullying experiences (Cyberbullying Research Center).

What To Do If You Are Cyberbullied

Inform someone you trust

• Minors: parents, guardians, guidance counselors, principals (RA 10627 mandates schools to investigate).
• Adults: HR or a trusted colleague if work-related.

Keep evidence

• Screenshots with URLs/timestamps.
• Copies of emails, posts, DMs.
• Download images/videos.

Block and report accounts on platforms:

• For Facebook abuses, if you do not have an account, report HERE
• If you have a Facebook account and you wish to report harassment/bullying follow this GUIDELINES
• For Twitter abuses, report HERE
• For Instagram, go HERE.
• For Snapchat, go HERE.
• For TikTok, go HERE.

Report to authorities

• PNP Women & Children Protection Desk
• PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group
• NBI Cybercrime Division
• DOJ Cybercrime Online Reporting
• According to this news report, you can contact the National Bureau of Investigation at [email protected] or call 028521-9208, local extensions 3429 (Chief) and 3497 (Staff).

Seek legal recourse

• RA 10175 (Cybercrime Law) – for libel, identity theft, illegal access
• RA 9995 (Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act) – non-consensual intimate media
• RA 11313 (Safe Spaces Act) – online gender-based harassment

Seek financial damages, when applicable

 
According to Atty. Cyndy P. Dela Cruz.

A person who is aggrieved by a defamatory post in social media may find refuge in the provisions of the Civil Code on Damages (Art. 2176, Civil Code)
 
Whoever by act or omission causes damage to another, there being fault or negligence, is obliged to pay for the damage done. Such fault or negligence, if there is no pre-existing contractual relation between the parties, is called a quasi-delict and is governed by the provisions of this chapter.”

For example.

One who posts on social media, causing damage to the reputation of another may be liable to the subject for damages and this can be a valid cause of action under the law.
 
Such posts must tend to pry to the privacy and peace of mind of another, meddle or disturb the private life or family relations of another, intrigue to cause another to be alienated from his friends or vex or humiliate another on account of his religious beliefs, lowly station in life, place of birth, physical defect or other personal condition. (violating Art. 26, of the Civil Code) emphasis mine

Philippine Laws Covering Cyberbullying (as of 2025)

• RA 10627 – Anti-Bullying Act (2013, Revised IRR 2025)
• RA 10175 – Cybercrime Prevention Act (2012)
• RA 9995 – Anti-Photo & Video Voyeurism Act (2009)
• RA 7610 – Child Protection Law (1992)
• RA 11313 – Safe Spaces Act (2019)
• HB 807 (Take It Down Act, 2025, pending) – fast-track removal of AI-generated abusive content (House Bill Text)
• HB 2312 (Deepfake Accountability Bill, 2025, pending) – criminalizes malicious deepfakes (House Bill Text)

 
For “non-cyber” harassment offenses, I wrote an exhaustive list of discrimination laws, rulings, and regulations so if there is a need to go the legal route, we will be guided.
 
 

Closing Thought

Cyberbullying has transformed — from text harassment in 2012 to AI-generated deepfakes in 2025. The forms evolve, but the mission remains: create safe digital spaces where rights to dignity and free expression are respected.

You May Also Read:

What To Do When Cyber Bullied Online Bullying and Libel in the Philippines What to Do If You Have Been a Victim of Identity Theft Bullying and Cyberbullying in the Philippines