Manila: The Department of Education (DepEd) on Thursday expressed support for legislative measures aimed at bolstering digital literacy, internet safety, and online child protection in schools. The agency emphasized the necessity for students to be equipped with not just access to technology, but also the values and judgment needed to use it responsibly.
According to Philippines News Agency, DepEd Undersecretary for Governance and Operations Malcolm Garma highlighted during a Senate Committee on Basic Education hearing that digital competence has become a crucial life skill. As learners increasingly engage with online spaces, social media, artificial intelligence tools, and other digital platforms, Garma stressed the importance of equipping students with the knowledge and critical thinking necessary to navigate the digital environment responsibly.
Garma stated that DepEd supports measures designed to institutionalize digital citizenship education, enhance online child protection, promote responsible use of artificial intelligence, and implement safeguards against cyberbullying and other online harms. He underscored the role of technology as a tool to enhance, rather than replace, human learning and judgment.
The Senate hearing addressed various educational measures, including bills seeking to regulate gadget use during class hours, promote responsible social media use, establish internet safety education, and require digital literacy as part of the grade school and high school curricula.
Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian, author of Senate Bill No. 627, argued that his proposal to prohibit mobile devices and other electronic gadgets during class hours from kindergarten to senior high school aligns with efforts to protect learners. He acknowledged both the advantages and disadvantages of technology, noting that gadgets can expose children to social media, online games, and interactions with strangers if not properly monitored.
Gatchalian pointed out that the proposed gadget ban aims to provide learners with more time to socialize, study, read, and develop holistically, rather than merely restricting device use. He emphasized the importance of giving children time to engage in activities that contribute to their overall development.
Senator Bam Aquino, chairperson of the basic education panel, highlighted the need for the proposed School Safety Act to address new risks facing learners, including online harms, bullying, school violence, and other threats to student welfare. Aquino stressed the importance of ensuring that schools remain safe places of learning.
Recent incidents in various schools, including Tacloban City, Negros Occidental, and Ateneo de Manila University, have underscored the need to update existing laws and policies to better protect students. Garma mentioned that DepEd has already implemented reforms under Department Order No. 6, series of 2026, to enhance campus security, improve crisis preparedness and protection mechanisms, regulate responsible mobile device use, and promote a safe and motivating learning environment.
These reforms complement the Anti-Bullying Act, expanded mental health initiatives under Republic Act 12080, digital citizenship education, and safeguarding measures for school sports and other learner activities. Garma reaffirmed DepEd's commitment to working with Congress to craft responsive, evidence-based, and child-centered legislation that strengthens the basic education system and upholds every learner's right to quality, safe, and inclusive education.
