TO PROTECT children from online threats, the Department of Education has ramped up efforts and its advocacy to provide a child-friendly, gender-sensitive, and safe, learning environment.

The department noted that this significant mission is even more critical now as most students have shifted to online learning.

“We understand that prolonged exposure of children to the Internet may lead to untoward risks and incidents, especially if not guided by responsible adults,” the agency said in a statement.

“Guided by our DepEd Child Protection Policy (D.O. No. 40, s. 2012) and in relation to D.O. No. 55, s. 2013 or the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Anti-Bullying Act, we have taken measures to ensure that learners are safe while they are studying online,” it added.

The agency gave assurances that it is taking steps to enhance its Child Protection Policy.

“We will soon issue a supplemental policy to address child protection issues in the context of home-based learning and homeschooling, after conducting a series of consultations with different education and child rights stakeholders in 2020 and considering the lessons and insights learned from one-quarter of implementation of the Basic Education-Learning Continuity Plan,” it said.

The Education department added that it organized a series of national summits and webinars to educate its personnel, parents, guardians, and caregivers on how to protect children from risks online.

“In addition, we are consistently downloading support funds and conducting cyber safety for schools training of trainers and capacity-building activities in all DepEd regions,” DepEd said.

“As we move towards the future, utilizing the Internet for advancement in society is inevitable. Thus, everyone must safeguard the future generation from the lingering threats in the cyber realm,” the agency added.