Globe backs Angara push for stronger online safety for young users

Insider Spotlight

• Globe pledged support for the Department of Education’s plan to work with telecommunications firms and social media platforms to strengthen online safeguards for minors
• The telecommunications company said protecting children online requires coordinated action involving government, schools, parents, technology platforms and network providers
• Globe highlighted its Digital Thumbprint Program as part of its broader effort to promote digital citizenship, cybersecurity and responsible online behavior

Globe Telecom is backing the Department of Education’s call for telecommunications companies and social media platforms to strengthen online safeguards for minors, reinforcing industry support for broader efforts to improve digital safety for young Filipinos.

The company said Education Secretary Sonny Angara’s initiative reflects the need for closer collaboration among government agencies, technology firms, schools and families as children spend more time learning, communicating and socializing online. Globe added that no single sector can address online risks alone and that coordinated action is essential to create a safer digital environment.

Why it matters

The move signals growing cooperation between policymakers and the private sector as concerns over children's exposure to harmful online content, cyberbullying and digital risks continue to shape discussions around online safety. 

Globe said telecommunications providers can complement platform safeguards through network-level protection, digital literacy programs and parental tools that help families manage children's online experiences. 

Froilan Castelo

Globe's legal chief said the firm wants to help Deped chief Sonny Angara create a safer online environment for kids.

“Secretary Angara’s call recognizes that protecting children online requires coordinated action across the digital ecosystem. Globe is ready to support DepEd and work with government, schools, parents and technology platforms to help create a safer online environment for young Filipinos,” Globe general counsel Atty. Froilan Castelo said. 

“Everyone has a role to play. Platforms must strengthen protections for younger users, parents need effective tools and guidance, and young people need the skills to navigate digital spaces safely and responsibly.” 

The bigger picture

Globe said its position aligns with UNICEF’s view that age restrictions alone are insufficient to keep children safe online. Instead, the company supports a broader approach that includes age-appropriate platform design, stronger content moderation, parental controls and improved digital literacy.

The company also pointed to its Digital Thumbprint Program, which provides students, parents, teachers and community leaders with training on digital citizenship, cybersecurity, cyberbullying prevention, media and information literacy, and online safety. 

Globe said the initiative complements efforts by schools and families to help young people build responsible digital habits while benefiting from technology.  —Daxim L. Lucas | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma