Is there a need for a cyber wellness program?

 
The unfortunate outcome of Christoper Lao‘s experience of cyber harassment should serve as a wake-up call for all sectors and consider incorporating cyber wellness program in their line-up of activities.

A cyber wellness program include responsible use of social web, online threats, safety practices, and tools for cyber safety

The resulting online phenomenon stemmed from the Mr. Lao’s failed attempt to cross over a flooded portion of the road. He drew the ire of the Filipino online community, after he blamed other people for his bad call. The good laugh, turned to something else as he became a trending topic in twitter, Facebook pages were set-up to ridicule him and he also became a center of discussion in Google +. His story is the latest of the series of incidents displaying the might and power of social media, that can be used for not so good purposes.

With the growing number of internet users in the Philippines, add to the fact that we are named as the “social networking capital” of the world, there is a need for such a program.

• A need to educate  students by incorporating cyber wellness either in the curriculum or ensuring that this will be part of the extra curriculum program
• Parent-teachers organization should roll-out  a program for parents [and nannies] that will educate them of the online risks, safety practices and tools that will keep their family safe online.
• Companies should include cyber wellness program for their employees . Chances that the name and reputation of the company will be dragged for an employees behavior is likely. A case in point is Christopher Lao. The criticism became intense when people became aware that the guy is from UP and an honor student and taking up law.
• Schools should not wait for a high profile case of cyber bullying before setting up a program that will address the threat. A proactive anti cyber bullying program is better.
• Of course, our government should do it’s part by enacting laws that will guarantee our freedom but safeguard our citizens from abuses.

Wellness in digital era will not be holistic and complete with out the “cyber” part. Lest we will learn a painful lesson along the way.