In a move to enhance digital safety, the Philippine Senate has introduced Senate Bill No. 2934, known as the Internet Safety Education Act. This legislation aims to weave internet safety education into the fabric of elementary and high school curriculums across the nation. The bill, championed by Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada, responds to the growing threats children face online, such as cyberbullying, privacy invasions, identity theft, and exposure to harmful content. Estrada emphasized the bill’s goal to foster a safer digital space and cultivate a generation of informed, ethical, and responsible internet users. Building on the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children Act, this proposal focuses on prevention and aligns with a 2017 UNICEF study that underscored the digital vulnerabilities of Filipino children. The Department of Education (DepEd) will lead the initiative, implementing a comprehensive Internet Safety Education Program. This program will feature age-appropriate curricula, training for educators and parents, public awareness efforts, and collaboration with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT). Estrada highlighted the importance of early digital literacy to equip children against online dangers like fake news and predators. The bill also requires DepEd to create multimedia educational tools, lesson plans, and peer-led initiatives, alongside professional development for teachers and risk prevention programs for students. Additionally, public campaigns will educate parents on safe internet practices, with coordination between DepEd, DICT, and other agencies to provide necessary resources and guidance. Estrada believes this measure will safeguard young Filipinos while enabling them to flourish in a tech-centric world.
Philippine Senate Proposes Internet Safety Education in Schools
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