THE Global Online Safety Survey conducted by technology company Microsoft revealed that teens around the world commonly experience online harms, including hate speech, scams, and cyberbullying.
However, at the same time, they demonstrated resilience: 72 percent of them have spoken to someone after experiencing a risk, and reported behavior increased for the second consecutive year.
“Data shows that our young people are not helpless; they are capable of reaching out and reporting the dangers that they experienced online. As the local government, this is where we have to take action: we have to build an environment where our children can feel safe to speak up and ask for help,” Mayor Joy Belmonte said.
To mark this year’s Safer Internet Day for Children, the Quezon City Government has gathered student leaders, parents, barangay focal persons for the protection of children, and internet service providers to promote a safe, responsible, and ethical use of digital technology for children.
Artificial intelligence, safe and responsible digital practices, including cybersecurity basics, reporting mechanisms, and digital self-care strategies, were discussed to enhance the knowledge and practical skills of children and community stakeholders in the digital space. The importance of mental health and digital well-being was also emphasized.
As UNESCO’s pilot city for Media and Information Literacy, the city government is championing various initiatives and programs to empower people, especially youth, to think critically about information and the use of digital platforms.
To realize a safer, child-friendly digital environment, the Quezon City Council, led by Vice Mayor Gian Sotto and Majority Floor Leader Aly Medalla is set to pass an ordinance on digital wellness and healthy screen time for children and teens. This will ensure that adolescents are guided in responsible internet use, both in schools and at home.
The Gender and Development (GAD) Office in partnership with the Public Affairs and Information Service Department (PAISD) will relaunch TekkiNanay to equip parents with basic digital literacy to help guide their children as they navigate online spaces.
Frontline responders, including social workers, psychometricians, police officers, and teachers, underwent training on the Multi-disciplinary team- Basic Internet Crimes Against Children (MDT-BICAC) of the International Justice Mission to strengthen their skills in responding to cases of Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children.
“We have to make the internet a safe and meaningful space for our children, where they can thrive, learn, and express who they are. Dito sa QC, walang puwang ang panganib: online man o offline. We will ensure a child-friendly digital space for our children,” the mayor added.
About the Author
