(ANS – Cebu City) – Last 17-18 October the Salesians partnered with UNICEF, Child Protection Network (CPN) and other Child Safety Organizations to organize a two-day Anti-Cyberbullying Conference for 200 youth leaders and 100 teachers from 100 schools in Cebu. The success was made possible because of Don Bosco Formation Center Pastoral Communication Students of Talisay City, Commission on Youth Ministry, Salesian Youth Movement and FIS Social Communications for their support.

The conference had as its motto "Ctrl Shift Del: Cyber Teens Responsible Leaders". Using the commands typically available on a computer keyboard, they intended to convey the message: “Teaching the youth to SHIFT their views, CONTROL their lives and DELETE the negativity in social media”.

In fact the young people also drafted and signed a manifesto against cyber-bullying.

“We see that cyber bullying is an inhumane, intolerable act and if left unattended, will eventually damage more people and teens like us. However, we, as Cyber Teens Responsible Leaders, can be advocates for its eradication,” the manifesto read.

The manifesto also contains the youths’ commitment to this advocacy and how to use the social media.

“We believe that our advocacy begins with defining our boundaries on proper media usage anchored on the values of respect, empathy, discipline, sincerity and compassion. We likewise believe that such advocacy empowers young people like us in accepting our differences regardless of physical attributes, race, social status, economic standing, belief or religion,” the manifesto said.

Then it goes on: “Therefore, we commit to be catalysts in an enlightened youth movement that boldly stands up against cyberbullying, raises awareness and educates our fellow teenagers, on the responsible use of ICTs, and lends voice to those who don’t have the courage to seek help and speak out”. 

On the occasion it a special hashtag on Twitter #CTRLYouthCon was also launched.  From 13 to 22 October it has reached, according to the statistics available, almost 30,000 people.

Additional contributions are available on YouTube and Facebook.

Published 05/11/2015