(THE MANILA TIMES) SENATE President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada wants to include internet and social media subjects in elementary and high school curriculum.
Estrada filed Senate Bill (SB) 2934 in order to help children and the youth understand the internet and protect them from online dangers as they have become “increasingly technologically savvy.”
He said elementary and high school students should be equipped “with the knowledge and tools to help them navigate the virtual world safely and responsibly.”
“The Internet Safety Protection Act is a proactive approach to ensure that Filipino children are informed and resilient in the digital age,” Estrada said in a statement.
“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.
While Republic Act 11930, or the “Anti-Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials Act,” established a strong legal framework to combat online-related crimes, Estrada said SB 2934 would empower children to protect themselves from the risks associated with the online world.
The proposed internet education program would focus on safe usage and increase awareness on the dangers associated with social media apps, text messaging, instant messaging, websites, blogs, emails, and mobile devices.
Likewise, the measure highlighted the significance of educating students about privacy protection, identifying fake news, avoiding cyberbullying and recognizing online predators.
It also stressed the importance of responsible internet use and maintaining a balance between online and real-life interactions, the senator said.
Meanwhile, the Department of Education (DepEd) would be tasked with identifying, developing, and implementing an Internet Safety Education Program, which includes educational technology, multimedia applications and lesson plans.
It would 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.