CEBU CITY, Cebu, March 22 (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), together with the members of the Inter-Agency Council Against Child Pornography, World Hope International, and the Philippine National Police (PNP), is urging the public to  to be involved in creating a responsible internet environment in celebration of Safer Internet Day.

The month-long celebration centers on the theme “Together for a Safer Internet.”

DSWD Social Welfare Officer Focal Person Ligaya Dael said they have activities such as school visits, TV guesting, and the conduct of online safety seminars to prevent child risks and abuse because of internet misuse.

Theresa Lape of World Hope International disclosed that efforts such as trainings on Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and tips on online safety are also being conducted.

PNP Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit-7 Officer In Charge, PLt. Gaudioso Morte, said that aside from cyber estafa, there are also rising cases of online abuse in the region.

Dael disclosed that the Department of Justice-Office of Cybercrime reported cases of online abuse in the Philippines ballooned to 2.8 million in 2021, from 1.2 million in 2020 and 450,000 in 2019.

“With this alarming data, internet safety should be everyone’s concern,” Dael added.

Lape stressed that strengthening family ties through offline activities would help in lowering the risks of online abuse.

Safer Internet Day is celebrated every second Tuesday of February.

Itis a call to action to promote safe and secure internet use for everyone especially the children and the youth.
Safer Internet Day was first introduced in various countries in Europe in 2004 and it is now observed in more than 100 countries. (MYP/PIA7)