PHL joins worldwide Safer Internet campaign

Safer Internet Day (#SID2014), an online campaign that calls netizens to be more proactive in using the Internet, is celebrated worldwide on Tuesday, February 11.

It has taken place every February since 2004, and is meant to “promote safer and more responsible use of online technology and mobile phones, especially amongst children and young people across the world,” according to its founder Insafe, a network composed of 30 Safer Internet Centers in European Union (EU) member states, Iceland, Norway, and Russia.

In the Philippines, one of the organizations observing Safer Internet Day is Stairway Foundation, Inc., a non-government children's rights organization.

“We will organize online safety sessions in local schools in Puerto Galera to talk to children about Internet safety and how to stay safe,” said Stairway Foundation advocacy officer Ace Diloy in a News To Go report.



In the same report, data from the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP ACG) showed that reported cybercrime incidents in the country has increased annually since 2010. From 121 reports in 2012, reported incidents increased by more than a hundred percent, with a total of 288 in 2013.

Most of the reports were classified under "internet fraud/scam" and "harassment/threat."

While not all content in the internet is dangerous, the ACG encouraged netizens to be proactive when online.

“Kailangan proactive. Kailangan natin isipin ang possible na mangyayari, possible na gagawin ng mga manloloko lalo na sa Internet,” said Sr. Supt. Arnold Gunnacao, Deputy Director of PNP ACG.

“Install filters. There are free software available. But that doesn't work on its own. You also have to have some sort of Internet safety agreement with children,” said Diloy. — Kim Luces/BM, GMA News