MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) has urged technology and social media platforms to implement rigorous age verification mechanisms and aggressively remove content that glorifies violence or targets children to shield young learners from online radicalization.
Speaking at a multisectoral forum on preventing nihilistic violent extremism at the University of Asia and the Pacific, Education Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara emphasized the urgent need to overhaul current digital entry points that allow underage users to easily bypass age restrictions.
“We agree that we need stronger safeguards against these terrorist recruitment groups, online groomers. We need to protect our children online, and we really need stricter firewalls, not systems where a child who isn’t even in high school can just click that they are 18 years old. That cannot be allowed,” Angara stated.
The initiative follows a directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. instructing government bodies to formulate long-term solutions against school-related and youth violence.
In response, DepEd has established a joint task force with the Department of Information and Communications Technology and the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center to monitor emerging online threats.
While tech firms have already initiated dialogues with DepEd regarding digital safeguards, Angara noted that physical security measures in schools remain equally vital.
The agency has ramped up campus security by installing perimeter fences, metal detectors, and closed-circuit television systems, alongside a partnership with the Department of the Interior and Local Government to deploy barangay tanods and increase police visibility.
However, the education chief stressed that physical infrastructure alone is insufficient against modern risks.
“We must remember that while we actively stand guard and protect our children in the physical world, we also need to do the same online. We need to build stronger communities and better relationships with our learners,” he added.
To complement these efforts, DepEd has broadened its Kaagapay Program to educate parents on online safety, mental health, and bullying recognition. Schools are also reinforcing student support structures through the My Buddy System, expanded extracurricular activities, and an upcoming School Digital Safety Campaign designed to protect students, teachers, and parents alike.