MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada has filed a bill proposing the inclusion of internet safety education in the curriculum for elementary and high school students, to help students navigate the online world responsibly and safely.

Senate Bill No. 2934, known as the Internet Safety Protection Act, seeks to educate students on internet safety to help them understand potential risks and how to protect themselves online.

“The Internet Safety Protection Act is a proactive approach to ensure that Filipino children are informed and resilient in the digital age. 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,” Estrada said.

While Republic Act No. 11930, or the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM) Act, provides legal protections against online-related crimes, Estrada said that the bill focuses on prevention and aims to empower children to protect themselves from online dangers.

The proposed program would cover topics such as safe internet usage, the risks of social media apps, text messaging, websites, blogs, emails, and mobile devices, the proposed measure said. 

It would also address privacy protection, the identification of fake news, cyberbullying prevention, and recognizing online predators, he said. 

At the same time, the bill would stress the importance of maintaining a balance between online and real-life interactions.

If enacted, the Department of Education (DepEd) would be responsible for developing and implementing the Internet Safety Education Program, which would include educational technology, multimedia tools, and lesson plans. 

He likewise noted that the DepEd would also provide professional development for teachers and school staff, create online risk prevention programs, and support peer-driven initiatives. The department would coordinate with other agencies, such as the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), to provide resources and guidance.