MANILA, Philippines — Amid rising concerns over misinformation and disinformation, a lawmaker from the House of Representatives has called for the passage of a bill integrating digital literacy in the country’s basic education curriculum.
According to Quezon City 5th District Rep. Patrick Michael “PM” Vargas, House Bill No. 8831 or the “Digital Literacy in Schools Act” aims to equip students with the necessary skills to navigate the digital world safely and effectively.
Rep. Vargas emphasized that in today’s digital age, it is crucial for students to be digitally literate to avoid falling prey to online scams, fake news, and other cyber threats. He noted that the proliferation of misinformation and disinformation on social media has become a major concern, and that digital literacy is key to combating this problem.
The proposed bill seeks to integrate digital literacy into the curriculum of primary and secondary schools, focusing on areas such as online safety, cyberbullying prevention, and media literacy. It also aims to provide teachers with the necessary training and resources to effectively teach digital literacy to their students.
Rep. Vargas believes that by teaching digital literacy in schools, the country can empower its youth to become responsible and informed digital citizens. He added that this will not only benefit the students but also their families and the community at large.
The call for digital literacy in basic education comes at a time when the Philippines is experiencing a significant increase in internet penetration and social media usage. According to recent statistics, the country has one of the highest social media usage rates in the world, with the average Filipino spending around four hours a day on social media platforms.
While social media has many benefits, such as providing access to information and connecting people, it also poses significant risks, particularly for children and young adults. The spread of misinformation and disinformation on social media has been linked to various problems, including the manipulation of public opinion, the spread of hate speech, and the promotion of violent extremism.
By integrating digital literacy into the basic education curriculum, the Philippines can take a proactive approach to addressing these concerns and ensuring that its youth are equipped with the necessary skills to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.
The proposed bill has garnered support from various stakeholders, including educators, parents, and technology experts. Many believe that digital literacy is an essential skill that should be taught in schools, alongside other core subjects such as mathematics, science, and language.
As the bill makes its way through Congress, Rep. Vargas is optimistic that it will receive widespread support from lawmakers. He believes that the integration of digital literacy into the basic education curriculum is a crucial step towards creating a more informed and responsible digital citizenry in the Philippines.
In conclusion, the call for digital literacy in basic education is a timely and necessary response to the challenges posed by the digital age. By teaching digital literacy in schools, the Philippines can empower its youth to become active and informed participants in the digital world, and help create a safer and more responsible online community for everyone.