Google PH launches program promoting online safety among children
A 2019 study showed that 84 percent of Filipino children aged four to 16 would choose the internet over television.
The same study found out that children spend an average of 82 hours on the internet every month, with smartphones as the gadget of choice for 81 percent of the respondents, 56 percent go for tablets, and 54 percent prefer television.
Now here's the catch: That study was conducted before the COVID-19 pandemic struck.
Given how the pandemic altered online habits across the board, it's safe to assume that the mentioned figures have shot up, specifically when it comes to hours spent on the internet among children.
Nowadays, the line between educational and entertainment content can be a blur, leaving kids and parents feeling lost and vulnerable in the digital space.
“The internet is a crucial part of everyday life. For kids and students, it opens up many opportunities to play, learn, and connect. However, it also exposes them to risks that adults face, too,” said Bernadette Nacario, country director of Google Philippines.
With this in mind, the tech giant has come up with an initiative aiming to teach children responsible use of the internet and online safety.
The “Be Internet Awesome in the Philippines” is anchored on five important subjects: how to be smart, alert, strong, kind, and brave on the internet.
The program comes with teaching materials and related resources that can help teach digital literacy concepts to children with the help of teachers and parents.
“We hope to help parents and educators in promoting and teaching digital responsibility inside and outside of the classroom - to raise the next generation of netizens who's more smart, alert, strong, kind, and brave online,” explained Bernadette.
Helping in the campaign is the Department of Education (DepEd), facilitating a test run in more schools from Antipolo, Makati, Mandaluyong, Pasig, and Nueva Ecija.
The results, to say the least, were encouraging, with students and teachers saying that they learned key internet safety tips.
Leonor Magtolis Briones, DepEd secretary, was also delighted with the outcome and hopes to incorporate the program in all schools in the country.
“The Department of Education will continue to work closely with Google to potentially integrate 'Be Internet Awesome' into the national curriculum so it can be formally taught in the classroom,” Briones mentioned, acknowledging the internet's growing role in education even post-pandemic.
Here are some valuable online safety tips and etiquette from Google to guide kids (and even adults) when using the internet:
Talk it out
· Have regular, open conversations with your family about your internet use.
· If you find something negative online, talk to someone you trust who can help, like your teacher, guardian, or parent.
Be kind
· Be empathetic, respectful, and considerate on the internet.
Guard your details
· Protect your personally identifiable information like your address, email, and phone number.
· Promote the use of strong passwords among your friends and family.
· Never write passwords down where someone can find them.
Use secure and credible websites
· Make sure a website's URL starts with “https://” and has a little green padlock on its left.
· Use credible news sources to verify information on social media.
Share with care
· Think twice before reposting or forwarding someone's online post to others.
· Know when to detach and go offline.
Learn and unlock more valuable online tips by visiting Be Internet Awesome's website in the Philippines, available in English and Filipino languages.
