SENATE, Pasay City — Noting how children nowadays are becoming increasingly technologically savvy, Senate President Pro Tempore Jose 'Jinggoy Estrada' Ejercito Jr. has filed a bill seeking to include internet and social media education in elementary and high school curricula nationwide.

Under his Senate Bill No. 2934, or the Internet Safety Protection Act, Estrada aims to help equip elementary and high school students with the knowledge and tools to help them navigate the “virtual world safely and responsibly.”

“(My proposal) is a proactive approach to ensure Filipino children are informed and resilient in the digital age. By integrating this into the school curriculum, we aim to create a safer online environment and protect the next generation from the ever-evolving threats of the virtual world,” the senator cited.

At the same time, he mentioned that the existence of Republic Act No. 11930, or the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials Act, already establishes a strong legal framework to combat online-related crimes.

However, he emphasized that the recently filed legislation acts as a preventive mechanism and empowers children to protect themselves from the risks associated with the online world.

Estrada explained that his proposed Internet education program will focus on safe usage and increased awareness of the dangers associated with social media app text messaging, instant messaging, websites, blogs, emails and mobile devices.

It will also promotes initiatived on the significance of educating students about privacy protection identifying fake news, avoiding cyber bullying and recognizing online predators.

"Should the measure be signed into law," the senator said, "the Department of Education (DepEd) will be (the one) tasked with identifying, developing and implementing an Internet Safety Education Program (SEP), which will include educational technology, multimedia applications and lesson plans."