Senate bill seeks to include internet safety in education curriculum

A measure pushing for the inclusion of internet safety education in the curriculum of elementary and high school students has been filed in the Senate.

In a statement on Monday, Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada stressed the need to equip students with the knowledge of how to safely and responsibly utilize digital spaces, which would someday “protect them from online dangers.”

Hence, Estrada filed Senate Bill (SB) 1934, or the Internet Safety Education Act, “to empower” children with tools for “safely navigating the virtual world early on and minimize, if not eliminate, its threats and dangers.”

“The Internet Safety Protection Act is a proactive approach to ensure that Filipino children are informed and resilient in the digital age,” he said.

“By integrating this into the school curriculum, we aim to create a safer online environment and protect the next generation from the ever-evolving threats of the virtual world,” he added.

Estrada recognized that Republic Act (RA) 11930, or the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM) Act, has established a strong legal framework to combat online-related crimes.

He, however, stressed the need to enact a preventive mechanism and “empower children to protect themselves from the risks associated with the online world.”

The proposed internet education program will focus on safe usage and increase awareness of the dangers associated with social media apps, text messaging, instant messaging, websites, blogs, emails, and mobile devices.

It will also highlight the significance of educating students about privacy protection, identifying fake news, avoiding cyberbullying, and recognizing online predators.

Estrada said the proposed measure emphasizes the importance of responsible internet use and maintaining a balance between online and real-life interactions.

Once passed, the Department of Education (DepEd) will be tasked with identifying, developing, and implementing an Internet Safety Education Program, which includes educational technology, multimedia applications, and lesson plans.

The measure mandates professional training for teachers and staff, the development of online risk prevention programs for children, support for peer-driven initiatives, and coordination of research on online risks.

Additionally, DepEd shall launch public education campaigns, educate parents on safe internet use, and coordinate with the Department of Information and Communication Technology and other agencies for resources and guidance.