COMMUNITY | PLDT, Smart urge joint action to protect children online
The call was made during the “Safe Online Space Forum: Building Safer Online Spaces for Filipino Children and Families.”
PLDT, Smart urge joint action to protect children online
PLDT and Smart Communications are urging government agencies, schools, technology companies, families and communities to work together to address online threats against children, saying no single sector can ensure their safety on its own.
The call was made during the “Safe Online Space Forum: Building Safer Online Spaces for Filipino Children and Families,” which brought together representatives from government, telecommunications, technology, education, media and civil society to discuss online risks, safeguards and policies.
PLDT Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technology Officer Menardo “Butch” G. Jimenez said the growing threats facing children extend beyond the digital environment and require coordinated action.
“Our children are under attack. And the moment your child is under attack, that becomes priority one,” Jimenez said.
He said the response should involve stakeholders sharing their expertise and developing practical measures rather than relying solely on telecommunications companies or government agencies.
The forum featured three panel discussions covering existing regulations, harmful online content and threats, and the roles of families, schools and communities in helping children navigate the internet safely.
Participants in the first panel included representatives from the Department of Education, Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center, Philippine National Police, the Office of Sen. Risa Hontiveros and Converge ICT Solutions.
Rojun V. Hosillos of the CICC’s Cybercrime Investigation Office emphasized proactive coordination with online platforms.
“We will not win in the reactive part of cybercrime. We will always win on the proactive side,” Hosillos said, noting that engagement with platforms allows authorities to coordinate before requesting action on harmful content.
A second panel examined online threats and harmful content through the perspectives of social media platforms, esports athletes, media and families.
Alexandre “AK” Laverez, national esports athlete and national chairperson of the Esports Party List, cautioned against treating gaming and esports as inherently harmful.
“The esports industry offers careers, friendships, and opportunities,” Laverez said.
The final panel brought together child development experts, educators, nongovernment organizations and representatives of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Social Technology Bureau to discuss digital resilience among children.
Family life and child development specialist Tina Zamora called for greater investment in parents, teachers and content creators, alongside technology-based safeguards.
Bryanna Mariñas, founder and executive director of Violence Ends With Us, urged stakeholders to include children, young people and survivors of violence in discussions about online safety so that interventions reflect their experiences.
Jimenez also emphasized the role of parents in helping children develop the judgment needed to navigate online environments.
“We can talk about how technology, the government or the laws will solve this, but the reality is a big part of the solution lies with the parents as well,” he said.
The forum forms part of the PLDT Group’s efforts to promote collaboration in creating safer digital environments for children.
