As social media continues to evolve, cyberbullying remains an alarming threat for students and young adults, as they navigate the ever-changing landscape of the internet.
In order to help parents and caregivers adjust to the evolving online dynamics, Globe is expanding their MakeITSafePH program; offering educational materials that will better equip them to protect and support their children.
MakeITSafePH is a dedicated campaign that helps empower Filipinos with practical knowledge on online safety and cybersecurity. Its latest leg, focused on the problem of cyberbullying, seeks to equip parents and guardians to be better digital allies of their children with the help of the website, www.makeitsafe.ph.
In the website is a buildable glossary, called the A to Z of Cyberbullying, which aggregates different terms, phrases, and even emojis that may be used in online conversations that parents should be more vigilant of. The premise behind this idea is that parents must first understand their children and connect with them, in order to be seen as their children’s safe space and source of guidance.
“It takes just one person to influence a child’s trajectory. And what we want to do is make sure that we start at the closest link, which is the parents,” Globe’s Head of Stakeholder Engagement and Management Miguel Bermundo said about the program in a Project Rebound webinar.
“It’s hard to teach traditional education if the medium of learning in the digital space is also giving [children] unintended risks and consequences. We want to make sure that whoever we connect [to the internet] is responsible and empowered.”
—Miguel Bermundo, Globe
Understanding the mental health toll that comes with cyberbullying, Globe also offers one free session with a mental health professional through telemedicine app KonsultaMD. Users will just need to key in the code MAKEITSAFEPH to redeem the free consultation anytime, anywhere.
Part of the campaign is Globe’s multi-awarded training program on responsible online behavior called the Digital Thumbprint Program (DTP). In partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd), DTP has become integral to the K-12 curriculum, promoting content that instills responsible digital citizenship.
As the leading mobile network in the country, Globe is also doing its part in assisting Filipinos in becoming more digitally-included and guarded against various cybercrimes, including online fraud and online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC).
A strong supporter of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), Globe has committed itself to helping achieve a better and more sustainable future by investing in digital safe spaces for all, with particular alignment to UN SDGs 9, focused on building resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization by fostering innovation.
Investment in digital citizenship education and ecosystems
MakeITSafePH gives high importance to bringing social services closer to Filipinos. Through its DTP workshop series, Globe produces webinars and e-modules to help the public better understand the impact of their online behavior and activities. Seeking support from DepEd’s pool of workshop facilitators for the development and delivery of the digital citizenship curriculum, it hopes to empower more Filipinos by promoting online critical thinking and cyber wellness.
Equally important to the company is equipping stakeholders with immediate access to protective and healthcare services. By offering toll-free calls to Bantay Bata’s 163 helpline, Globe makes it easier for concerned citizens to report cases of children at-risk of abuse needing immediate rescue and rehabilitation services.
Investment in digital infrastructure and global safety campaigns
Globe has been working together with government agencies and organizations to bolster a digital ecosystem that has prevention and control measures against crimes like OSAEC.
In partnership with UK-based non-profit Internet Watch Foundation (IWF), Globe is able to take down webpages, keywords, hash lists, and digital fingerprints that contain materials that promote materials that promote child abuse. They also work with the Canadian Center for Child Protectionin identifying and blocking illegal websites out of its network.
Strengthening its commitment to the cause, Globe joins local initiatives like SaferKidsPH through the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). The initiative supports the government in observing Safer Internet Day by raising awareness on pressing and emerging OSAEC cases.
MakeITSafePH is Globe’s way of embracing the use of innovative technology while advocating the importance of digital citizenship, safety, and responsibility. Want to take part in protecting your children online, too? Visit www.makeitsafe.ph to learn more and access DTP’s parent modules for free.
