DepEd to Roll Out Digital Safety Campaign Amid Rising School Violence

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) is preparing to launch a School Digital Safety Campaign for learners, teachers, and parents as part of broader efforts to strengthen school safety following recent shooting incidents.

The campaign will focus on risks children may encounter through social media, online games, group chats, and other digital platforms. Topics will include cyberbullying, online harassment, grooming and exploitation, scams, privacy, harmful content, responsible social media use, gaming safety, and digital well-being.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said protecting children now requires understanding that much of their interaction extends beyond the classroom and into digital spaces. Parents will also receive guidance on recognizing warning signs, setting appropriate boundaries, and encouraging children to seek help when something online makes them uncomfortable or unsafe.

Teachers and school personnel will likewise be trained to identify warning signs and follow proper reporting and referral procedures.

DepEd will develop the campaign with the DICT, PNP, DSWD, DILG, DOH, NBI, CICC, local government groups, and other partners. The program is expected to be piloted in selected schools before a wider nationwide rollout.

The initiative will complement existing school-security, child-protection, and emergency-preparedness measures, while reinforcing digital citizenship and online safety lessons already included in the revised K–10 curriculum.