At the recently concluded CERTCON 2024, led by the Cybersecurity Bureau of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Undersecretary Jeffrey Ian C. Dy, in his keynote address, reiterated the need to collaborate and make connections on cybersecurity challenges and how Filipinos can respond to them. them.

Access to the Internet occurs every day at home, work and school, and securing this access is a necessity, especially for young Filipinos.

In the Philippines, there is an urgent need to teach cybersecurity in schools, starting from primary school. The potential for cyber threats is high due to the penetration of digital technology into daily life. For a generation growing up with access to smartphones, tablets and the internet, understanding how to safely navigate online spaces is as important as learning to read or write. By embedding cybersecurity education early in the curriculum, the Philippines can equip its youth with critical skills to protect themselves and contribute to a more secure, digitally literate society.

The increase in internet access and social media usage among Filipino youth underscores the need for cybersecurity education. According to We Are Social’s 2022 report, 75 percent of the Philippine population uses the internet, and the average user spends almost 11 hours a day on the internet.

For kids, much of this time is devoted to social media, online gaming, and streaming content. A 2021 Unicef ​​report on children’s online behavior in the Philippines found that more than half of Filipinos aged 9 to 17 have had negative online experiences, including cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate content, and online fraud.

This exposure without adequate training in safe online practices leaves them vulnerable to cyber threats that can have serious consequences on their mental, emotional and physical health.

The lack of basic cybersecurity awareness among young people often leads to risky online behavior. Research reveals that young internet users frequently share personal information such as home addresses, school locations and family details online, sometimes even with strangers.

Teens tend to download apps and software without understanding the consequences, checking security settings or reading privacy policies. This is a disturbing trend, as unprotected online activity opens the door for cybercriminals to exploit personal data, commit identity theft, or worse, groom minors for exploitation.

Unfortunately, the Philippines is among the top 10 countries worldwide in online child abuse risks, according to the International Justice Mission’s 2022 report. The country can take important steps to reduce these risks and promote responsible internet use by teaching children basic cybersecurity skills at an early age.

While it may be argued that cybersecurity is too complex a topic for young children, the principles of online safety are actually accessible to all age groups. As young children learn road safety rules, they can understand the importance of protecting personal information from strangers online, creating strong passwords, and identifying suspicious links.

Australia, Canada, and the United States have launched cybersecurity awareness programs specific to different age levels that focus on understanding internet security, privacy awareness, and digital footprints. These programs emphasize that cybersecurity is not just about advanced technical knowledge, but also about laying the foundation for safe online behavior.

Introducing these concepts in primary schools in the Philippines could change the way the younger generation approaches technology. The need for cybersecurity training goes beyond personal security; It is vital to national security and economic resilience.

cyber crimes

Cybercrime costs the global economy billions of dollars every year, and the Philippines is not immune. A report published by the Philippine National Police (PNP) in 2023 showed that there was a 200 percent increase in cybercrime cases reported in the country in the last five years.

These cybercrimes range from online fraud and hacking to data breaches affecting businesses, government agencies, and individuals. As much of daily life and commerce moves online, the demand for cybersecurity experts is increasing. However, the Philippines currently does not have enough workforce to cope with increasing threats.

By introducing students to cybersecurity concepts at a young age, the country can raise a generation that not only understands cyber risks but is ready to enter the cybersecurity field as future professionals, filling a critical gap in the workforce.

An approach that prioritizes digital in education will also benefit students’ career prospects. The World Economic Forum predicts that cybersecurity will be one of the most in-demand skills in the coming years.

The Philippines, with its large and young population and increasing focus on digital transformation, is well positioned to prepare students for these careers. Starting cybersecurity education early will give Filipino students a competitive advantage in the global job market, especially in an industry that is not only lucrative but also essential to the functioning of modern society.

However, implementing cybersecurity curricula in Philippine primary schools will require resources and teacher training. Many schools do not yet have the infrastructure or faculty knowledgeable in cybersecurity.

The government’s collaboration with technology companies and educational institutions can meet this need. Private sector partnerships, where cybersecurity experts can contribute to curriculum design and delivery, have proven successful in other countries.

These initiatives could be a model for the Philippines to follow.

Kay Calpo Lugtu is the chief operating officer of Hungry Workhorse, a digital and culture transformation firm. His advocacy activities include food innovation, nation building and sustainability. He can be reached via email: (email protected)