GLOBE has partnered with UNICEF to promote online safety and security among children and the youth through a “Training of Trainers” workshop of their Digital Thumbprint Program.

The program aims to increase students’ knowledge of digital citizenship and cybersafety by taking a critical look at their online behavior and helping them develop insights into the influences of the online world and the choices they are making.

By partnering with UNICEF, Globe hoped to reach more internet users and help them become more responsible digital citizens. The training aims to create DTP champions among UNICEF staff and partners who can then cascade skills to their peers and networks on the five DTP modules: Digital Insight, Digital Impact, Digital Discernment, Digital Ambition, and the Parent Module.

“According to the Philippine Kids Online Survey, a study conducted by UNICEF Philippines in 2017, the Internet offers tremendous opportunities as it helps children learn, play and connect. This is even more amplified at this time of the pandemic. However, we also must understand that the caring community that surrounds the childlike parents and teachers, needs opportunities to access new skills and understanding, in order for them to support children have a safe and positive experience online, protected from risks and harm,” explained Patrizia Benvenuti, UNICEF Child Protection chief.

More than 120 officers and staff from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Education Alternative Learning System Task Force, Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Development, Tambayan Center for Children’s Rights, Break The Silence National Network, Inc. and Share An Opportunity Philippines participated in the training.

According to the Department of Justice, there was a 200% increase in cybertips received in 2020 compared to 2019. These cybertips came from the US-based National Center for Missing and Exploited Children which report child sexual abuse and exploitation materials that pass through their system.

“The threat of the Covid19 pandemic and the lockdown required a quick pivot from all industries, and the education sector had to grapple with preparing teachers, parents, and students to turn to online learning. As a company that aims to create a #GlobeOfGood, online responsibility and child protection are areas we were able to actively engage through this partnership. We continuously aim to widen the positive societal impact that DTP has been making through the years,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe Chief Sustainability Officer and SVP for Corporate Communications.