A new Senate bill is being proposed to integrate internet safety education into elementary and high school curriculums to better protect children from online dangers.
Filed by Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada, Senate Bill 1934, also known as the Internet Safety Education Act, aims to equip children with essential tools to safely navigate the digital world, reducing online risks. Estrada emphasized that the bill would help minimize, if not entirely eliminate, the threats children face online.
Estrada cited a 2017 call from the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) urging the global community to create a safer online environment for children. The call was particularly relevant to the Philippines, where the country is recognized as the leading global source of child pornography and a major hub for live-streamed sexual abuse. UNICEF highlighted that the risks to Filipino children are notably high, with data showing that nearly 90% of children in the country are vulnerable to online sexual abuse or bullying.
While acknowledging the existing Republic Act 11930, also known as the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children Act, Estrada pointed out that SB 1934 would serve as a preventive measure, complementing the law by focusing on educational initiatives to protect children from online threats.
The bill aligns with UNICEF’s 2017 recommendations, which urged the implementation of digital literacy programs to keep children informed and safe in the online environment.
Estrada emphasized that SB 1934 represents a vital step toward ensuring children’s safety while using the internet. “This is one worthwhile springboard for the government to actively ensure the safety of children as they explore the internet,” he said in his proposal.
Key Provisions of SB 1934
If passed, the bill would task the Department of Education (DepEd) with leading the implementation of an Internet Safety Education Program. The program would include:
- Educational technology, multimedia tools, interactive applications, online resources, and lesson plans.
- Professional training for teachers, school administrators, and staff on internet safety and new media literacy.
- Peer-driven internet safety initiatives within schools.
Additionally, the DepEd would develop programs to help prevent online risks for children, conduct public education campaigns for parents, and collaborate with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) for technical guidance.
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