In line with Proclamation No. 417, Series of 2018, which designates the second Tuesday of February each year as Safer Internet Day for Children in the Philippines, the DSWD 7 and the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking – Violence Against Women and Children (IACAT7-VAWC) have partnered to promote safer internet use.
The DSWD and the inter-agency members emphasize that advocating for safe internet use must go beyond this annual observance. It requires a daily commitment to fostering a more secure digital environment, especially for vulnerable individuals.
During the observance, the DSWD and IACAT7-VAWC highlighted the growing concerns regarding internet technology use, particularly the rise of cybercrimes. New scams such as phishing, investment fraud, romance scams, tech support fraud, and online marketplace scams are emerging daily.
The campaign also focuses on the increasing threat of Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and the spread of Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Materials (CSAEM), which involve children in explicit content.
Regional Director Shalaine Marie S. Lucero stressed the importance of collective vigilance in promoting safer internet use. “To raise awareness about online safety, it is essential that we identify online threats and red flags, implement preventive measures, and report any abuses on the internet,” she said.
The campaign aims to educate the public on how to report online abuse or exploitation. Lucero encouraged using available reporting platforms, such as the NBI, PNP, or DICT and highlighted the MAKABATA Helpline 1383 for cases of abuse or exploitation involving children.
Safer Internet Campaign 2025
This 2024 theme, “Digital Bayanihan: Para sa Kabataang Ligtas at Protektado Online,” underscores the importance of collective efforts in safeguarding children online, with parents and the community playing a crucial role in fostering a safer digital environment.
DSWD 7 employees participated in the Safer Internet Campaign 2025 by wearing blue on February 11, 2025, as a symbol of solidarity. Employees also shared photos of support using the hashtag #SaferInternetCampaign2025 to rally online awareness.
To promote this cause, DSWD 7 has organized various initiatives, including media advocacy campaigns, digital parenting webinars, and forums that discuss OSAEC and CSAEM laws and prevention and reporting mechanisms.
Through these initiatives, DSWD 7 aims to equip the public, particularly parents, educators, and children, with the knowledge and tools needed to protect themselves from cybercrimes and navigate the digital world safely. ###
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