The worries of guardians regarding the cybersecurity of their children in the conduct of online classes are now being addressed by the Department of Education (DepEd). Under the Supplemental Policy on Child Protection on the Context of Basic Education – Learning Continuity Plan, the education system will ensure the safety of learners from online child protection risks such as cyberbullying, cybersex or pornography, online sexual abuse and exploitation, and online predator exposure.
The guidelines also covers at-home child protection risks such as corporal punishment, neglect, and child labor.
“Ang mga bata po ay nananatiling mga bata sa panahon ng COVID-19, nananatili rin po ang kanilang mga karapatan bilang mga bata (Children stay as children in this time of COVID-19, their rights as children remain),” DepEd USec. Josephine Maribojoc emphasized.
The DepEd will also need the assistance of local government units and barangays in cases of abuse since young learners are in a stay-at-home setup.
“In essence, ire-report pa rin sa eskwelahan, gagana pa rin ‘yung ating Child Protection Committee para matiyak na may mga interventions na naibibigay para sa mga batang naabuso (In essence, it will still be reported to schools, our Child Protection Committee is working to guarantee interventions for abused children),” Maribojoc assured.
Global Cybersecurity Company Kaspersky also reminded parents to monitor their children’s online activity through communicating, surfing together, limiting online time, daily debriefing, and educating. The use of security tools, including stronger passwords, two-factor authentication (2FA), and use of virtual private network (VPN) were also recommended. – Report from Kenneth Paciente
