PABEBE does not have a concrete definition yet but picking up on how it is used by netizens, it pertains to people wasting so much time in social media trying so hard to look cute. The term has a negative connotation on how senseless, indifferent, and insensitive our young generation is to the more important issues of our time.

In the olden times, the likes of Alexander the Great already uphold the highest ideals of statehood and citizenship at age 15. In their early teens, kids are already trained to defend their nation and in their late teens they already embark on journeys of capturing new lands for the glory of their race. Values of hardwork, justice, and fairness were not only taught but were lived by every young individuals who aspire to be knights and soldiers when they come of age.

But now, the only times we hear young people carry guns, it’s when they steal it from their parents and they go on a shooting spree as revenge for being bullied by their contemporaries.

Have we lost our youth to consumerism and social media? Are they gone forever? Apparently it seems that way. The statistics of school drop outs due to internet addictions have become alarming. I would have understood if the cause was the lack of money to go to school, but because of Mobile Legends or Dota? That is entirely something else.

If we take a closer look at the patterns of pabebes over Facebook and other social networks, these kids desperately try “mag pa-cute” to the point that they look irritating, or worse show off more skin to project sexiness beyond their years. They are kids for crying out.

Their desperation points to putting high value on social acceptance, physical appearance and fashion as well as glorification of sex. So when they say “Wala kayung paki-alam kung pabebe kami!” that calls for a lot of scolding and lecture from us, if we the adults, really care about their future. Such cry is a wrong cry for sense of freedom of expression.

It is high time to put some sense on the future of our land. Ground them with more important issues. Give them responsibilities at home. Demand for academic excellence. Expose them from the realities of finding a living and getting involved in civic duties. Let them interact with clubs and organizations with good causes. And for crying out, put some parameters on what they can and they can’t do over the internet.

Pabebes are brats acting out. If we spare the rod, we spoil our kids.