DepEd Commemorates Safer Internet Day Philippines
By LYNDEN G. MERNILO
Master Teacher I
Butuan Central Elementary School
The Department of Education (DepEd) celebrates Safer Internet Day Philippines (SIDPh) in the entire month of February 2023. This annual event is aimed at promoting the safe and responsible use of technology, particularly the internet, among young people.
Section 25 of the Republic Act No. 9775, also known as the “Anti-Child Pornography Act of 2009,” mandates the creation of the Inter-Agency Council Against Child Pornography (IACACP), which is tasked with developing and implementing a national plan of action to prevent and suppress the proliferation of child pornography in all forms of media and communication channels, thus supporting the observance of Safer Internet Day in the Philippines. The DepEd-Field Operations then issued Memorandum No. 2023-07-1052, which mandates the adherence of the said activity.
The celebration of SIDPh aims to promote responsible digital citizenship, respect for diversity, critical thinking, and online safety among all users of digital technologies. The goal is to create a safer and more secure online environment for all, especially children and young people, who are vulnerable to online threats and risks.
In addition, the memorandum emphasized the promotion of learning materials on protective sensitive and private information that can be utilized inside and outside the classroom, raising awareness on the importance of online safety focusing on protective sensitive and private information and potential risks and harms in online interactions, and raising awareness on the potential risk of online chatting.Likewise, the concerned personnel are to stream the launching of the newest animation and e-learning called “For Your Eyes Only” (FYEO), which deals with the issue of non-consensual sharing of intimate images and sextortion, on the 7th of February via Facebook Live on the Stairway Foundation, Inc. (SFI) Facebook page, the official partner of the DepEd for the activity. On February 18, 2023, a virtual cyber safety orientation to raise awareness on the importance of online safety will be conducted, and on the 25th of February is the culminating event of the SIDPh, wherein the Child Protection Committee E-Learning Course, which will capacitate the schools’ Child Protection Committee (CPC) using e-learning, will be launched.
DepEd stressed the importance of promoting online safety, especially in the midst of the ongoing pandemic, where many students are attending online classes and spending more time online. The memorandum encourages schools to teach students how to identify and avoid online risks such as cyberbullying, online scams, and inappropriate content.
Thus, schools are encouraged to continually promote digital citizenship among students, which includes teaching students about responsible online behavior, respect for others’ privacy, and the importance of protecting their personal information online.
The commemoration of SIDPh serves as a reminder that with the increasing use of technology, it is important to continue to educate learners on safe and responsible online behavior to create a safer and better internet for everyone. ###
