Globe promotes safer digital spaces for youth in North Luzon amid growing online threats

North Luzon students engage in Globe’s Digital Thumbprint Program workshops, learning practical strategies to stay safe and responsible online during Safer Internet Month.

As young Filipinos spend more time online for school, communication, and daily activities, the need for stronger digital safety awareness continues to grow. In 2024, the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center logged 10,004 cybercrime complaints, more than triple the previous year, while reported financial losses from online scams reached nearly ₱198 million, underscoring the growing scale of digital threats affecting Filipino internet users. 

Supporting the nationwide observance of Safer Internet Month, Globe strengthened its digital citizenship advocacy by bringing its Digital Thumbprint Program (DTP) to schools across North Luzon. The initiative aligns with the campaign led by the Department of Justice through the National Coordination Center Against OSAEC and CSAEM under the theme “Ako, Ikaw, Tayo: Konektado at Protektado Laban sa OSAEC at CSAEM.”

Globe’s Digital Thumbprint Program gives students practical tools to manage their digital footprints, safeguard personal information, and make responsible choices online. The program also raises awareness of serious risks, including child sexual exploitation and abuse (OSAEC) and child sexual abuse material (CSAEM), helping students recognize risky behaviors like grooming or catfishing. It further addresses pressing online threats such as scams and misleading content that often target young users.

Nearly 1,000 students participated in the sessions held at Wesleyan University of the Philippines, Echague National High School, Cagayan State University, and Cagayan National High School. Through guided discussions and interactive learning activities facilitated by Globe employee-trained ambassadors, participants explored ways to identify online risks and contribute to safer digital environments in their communities.

The urgency of digital education is reinforced by broader fraud data.  In 2024, 74 percent of Filipinos experienced fraud attempts through email, online platforms, phone calls, or text messages, while the country posted a 13.4 percent suspected digital fraud rate, well above the global average.

“At Globe, we believe that sustainability includes creating a safe and secure digital environment for every Filipino. Through our support for Safer Internet Month and our Digital Thumbprint Program, we continue to empower students with the knowledge and values they need to navigate the online world responsibly. As digital risks grow, from exploitation to scams, safeguarding the digital space is a shared responsibility. Together, we can create a more protected and inclusive online community,” said Yoly Crisanto.

Globe continues to collaborate with schools, communities, and government institutions to ensure that digital access is paired with awareness, responsibility, and protection, helping Filipino youth thrive safely online.

For more information about Globe, visit www.globe.com.ph.

The post Globe promotes safer digital spaces for youth in North Luzon amid growing online threats first appeared on Pampanga News Now.