(POLITIKO) Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada has filed a bill called the proposed Internet Safety Protection Act which seeks to have internet and social media education be part of elementary and high school curriculum.
“The Internet Safety Protection Act is a proactive approach to ensure that Filipino children are informed and resilient in the digital age,” he said about the proposed measure under Senate Bill No. 2934.
“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,” the senator explained.
Estrada said the measure focuses on safe usage and increases awareness on the dangers associated with social media apps, text messaging, instant messaging, websites, blogs, emails, and mobile devices.
The lawmaker said the bill also seeks to educate students about privacy protection, identifying fake news, avoiding cyberbullying, and recognizing online predators.
Estrada said the proposed law emphasizes the importance of responsible internet use and maintaining a balance between online and real-life interactions, according to the veteran lawmaker.
Under the proposal, he said 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 bill will also provide professional training for teachers and staff, develop online risk prevention programs for children, support peer-driven initiatives, and coordinate research on online risks.
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Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada is pushing for the inclusion of internet and social media education in the elementary and high school curriculum.