If there is one thing that the youth of today should really understand and take to heart, it is how they should act safely and responsibly online. I’m sure you’ve seen posts (or two!) by young ones these days that can really raise eyebrows, can disappoint friends and even break the hearts of their own parents and loved ones. It’s undeniable that the youth of today can act careless and can be reckless with their own digital footprints.
That’s why I’m really glad that Globe Telecom has joined forces with Optus and Singtel in launching Digital Thumbprint, an award winning program that teaches the youth to understand the impact of their online behavior and how to be safe and responsible for their online activities. The local campaign forms part of the digital nation roadmap created by Globe to promote intelligent and judicious use of the Internet towards a #WonderfulPH.
Patterned after the Optus Digital Thumbprint in-school program where it has already reached 81,000 high school students across Australia, Globe also aims to educate as many Filipino youth on the importance of responsible digital citizenship.
With 46% of Filipinos using the Internet daily at an average of 5.2 hours, and over 40% of Filipinos now having access to data-capable phones, Globe sees it as an opportune time to advocate responsible use of the information highway and protect its customers, especially the youth, against threats online which can have real negative impact – especially since our country is considered fourth in the entire world in reported instances of cyber bullying!
In Australia, the Optus Digital Thumbprint program was co-designed with the Karrikins Group and has been warmly received by the participants, with 98% and 96% of teachers and students, respectively, agreeing that the program is relevant and engaging. Due to its success, the program won the ‘Security and Online Safety” category at the 2015 Australia and New Zealand (ANZIA) Internet awards and has been a finalist in both the ACCOMS Community Contribution Telco Industry Awards and the Melbourne Community Awards. In addition, it has been recognized and accredited by the Australian Government’s e-safety Commissioner’s Office.
The Digital Thumbprint program offers three workshops for high school students:
1. Digital Insight, which provides activities for students to help discern proper online behavior
2. Digital Impact, which tackles issues on technology’s impact on students’ social activities; and
3. Digital Ambition, which equips students with skills on how to use technology to help them achieve life goals.
For the local workshops, they will be anchored on the key learning themes of safety and security, responsibility and etiquette, and empowerment and leadership.
There are currently 20 Global Filipino Schools around the country with an additional 60 more to be launched this year with the aim of having one facility in each of the 226 divisions of the Department of Education (DepEd). The Digital Thumbprint program for the Philippines will initially be rolled out in the said schools, but will be expanded to other ICT-enabled campuses nationwide.
All high schools interested in the program may send their inquiry to [email protected]
Or you can also directly nominate HERE (it is FREE to nominate and it will only take you a minute)
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Mindanaoan is a multi-awarded blogger, content creator, seasoned social media strategist and publicist with undeniably successful track record. 2012 International Visitor Leadership Program (for global leaders) alumnus and O visa grantee (for people with extraordinary skills and who have risen to the top of their field). Avid traveler and a proud relief operations volunteer. Regular resource person for social media, blogging and content creation. Available for work and travel – [email protected]
