What it is
Education Secretary Sonny Angara called for stronger cooperation among families, schools, the government, and technology companies to ensure the safety of young Filipinos in the digital world. This call was made during the launch of an interactive exhibit titled “Digital Dialogue In Real Life: Safety Starts with Conversation.”
Key points
- Angara stated that digital safety is a shared duty involving parents, teachers, schools, government, civil society, and technology platforms.
- The Secretary noted that while digital spaces are important for learning, they also pose threats such as cyberbullying, harassment, abuse, and misinformation.
- The Department of Education (DepEd) launched the Kaagapay Parent Engagement Program to help guardians identify online dangers and understand reporting procedures.
- Angara emphasized the importance of Media and Information Literacy (MIL), which is officially included in the DepEd’s Strengthened Senior High School Program.
- DepEd Order No. 006, s. 2026, or the Guidelines on Ensuring a Safe and Motivating Learning Environment (ESMLE), prohibits students and school personnel from using cellphones or other portable electronic devices during class time unless related to the lesson or an emergency.
Who is affected
The discussion pertains to Filipino youth, given that approximately 95.8 million Filipinos use social media, which accounts for about 82 percent of the nation's population.
What teachers should do
Teachers are encouraged to help students develop critical thinking skills regarding what they see, hear, and share online. Furthermore, teachers should be aware of the guidelines under DepEd Order No. 006, s. 2026, regarding the appropriate use of gadgets in the classroom setting.
Source
Official source: deped.gov.ph