CHR urges passage of SB 2934 to enhance children's digital safety

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) called for immediate action on Senate Bill (SB) 2934, emphasizing the growing necessity of equipping students with digital safety skills.

SB 2934 aims to complement Republic Act No. 11930 by providing children with knowledge and tools for responsible internet use.

The CHR stressed that a child's right to safety must extend beyond the physical world into the digital landscape, where they increasingly engage in education and social interaction.

The bill seeks to equip students with digital literacy skills and bolster protections against online threats, aligning with global child welfare standards and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada has advanced this initiative, which also adheres to a 2017 UNICEF study highlighting Filipino children's vulnerability to cyberbullying and harmful content online.

CHR noted that around eight out of ten Filipino children face risks such as cyberbullying and harmful content, underscoring the need for internet safety education.

The proposed bill aims to institutionalize a nationwide framework for internet safety education, empowering young Filipinos with critical thinking skills and tools to protect themselves in the digital age.