AT the recently concluded CERTCON 2024 spearheaded by the Department of Information and Communications Technology’s (DICT) Cybersecurity Bureau, Undersecretary Jeffrey Ian C. Dy in his opening remarks reiterated the need to collaborate and build connections with regard to cybersecurity issues and how Filipinos can respond to them.
Access to the internet happens daily at home, in business, and in school, and safeguarding this access is a must, especially for young Filipinos.
Teaching cybersecurity in schools, beginning in elementary, is an urgent necessity in the Philippines. As digital technology is interwoven into daily life, there is a high potential for cyberthreats. To a generation growing up with access to smartphones, tablets and the internet, understanding how to navigate online spaces safely is just as important as learning how to read or write. By embedding cybersecurity education early in the curriculum, the Philippines can equip its youth with critical skills to protect themselves and contribute to a more secure, digitally literate society.
The rise in internet access and social media use among Filipino youth underscores the need for cybersecurity education. According to a 2022 report by We Are Social, 75 percent of the Philippine population uses the internet, with the average user spending almost 11 hours a day online.
For children, much of this time is dedicated to social media, online gaming and content streaming. The 2021 Unicef report on children’s online behavior in the Philippines revealed more than half of Filipinos aged 9 to 17 have had negative online experiences, including cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate content and online scams.
This exposure, without adequate education on safe online practices, leaves them vulnerable to cyberthreats that can have serious consequences on their mental, emotional and physical well-being.
The lack of basic cybersecurity awareness among young people often leads to risky online behavior. Studies reveal that young internet users frequently share personal information online, including their home address, school location and family details, sometimes even with strangers.
Without understanding the implications, the youth also tend to download apps and software without checking their security settings or reading the privacy policies. This is a troubling trend, as unguarded online activity opens doors for cybercriminals to exploit personal data, commit identity theft, or, worse, groom minors for exploitation.
Unfortunately, the Philippines ranks among the top 10 countries globally in child exploitation risks online, according to a 2022 report by the International Justice Mission. By teaching children basic cybersecurity skills early, the country can take significant steps to reduce these risks and foster responsible internet use.
While it may be argued that cybersecurity is too complex a topic for young children, the principles of online safety are actually accessible to all age groups. Just as young children learn road safety rules, they can grasp the importance of protecting personal details against strangers online, setting strong passwords, and identifying suspicious links.
Australia, Canada and the United States have introduced cybersecurity awareness programs tailored for different age levels, focusing on internet safety, privacy awareness and understanding digital footprints. These programs highlight that cybersecurity is not solely about advanced technical knowledge, but rather about building a foundation of safe online behavior.
In the Philippines, introducing these concepts in grade school could transform how the younger generation approaches technology. The need for cybersecurity education also extends beyond personal safety; it is crucial for national security and economic resilience.
Cybercrimes
Cybercrime costs the global economy billions of dollars each year, and the Philippines is not exempt. A 2023 report from the Philippine National Police (PNP) showed the country experienced a 200-percent increase in reported cybercrime cases in the past five years.
These cybercrimes range from online fraud and hacking to data breaches affecting businesses, government agencies and individuals. With so much of daily life and commerce moving online, the demand for cybersecurity professionals is growing. However, the Philippines currently lacks a sufficient workforce to handle the rising threats.
By introducing cybersecurity concepts to students at a young age, the country can cultivate a generation that not only understands cyber risks but is also prepared to enter the cybersecurity field as future professionals, filling a critical gap in the workforce.
A digital-first approach in education would also benefit students’ career prospects. The World Economic Forum projects that cybersecurity will be one of the most in-demand skill sets in the coming decades.
The Philippines, with its large, young population and increasing focus on digital transformation, is well-positioned to prepare students for these careers. Starting cybersecurity education early would give Filipino students a competitive edge in a global job market, particularly in an industry that is not only lucrative but also essential to the functioning of modern society.
However, implementing a cybersecurity curriculum in Philippine elementary schools will require resources and teacher training. Most schools do not yet have the infrastructure or teaching staff knowledgeable in cybersecurity.
Government collaboration with technology companies and educational institutions can address this need. Private-sector partnerships, in which cybersecurity experts can contribute to the design and delivery of curriculum, have proven successful in other countries.
These initiatives could be a model for the Philippines to follow.
Kay Calpo Lugtu is the chief operating officer of Hungry Workhorse, a digital and culture transformation firm. Her advocacies include food innovation, nation-building and sustainability. She may be reached via email: [email protected]
Be the first to comment