Globe Supports DepEd on Responsible Gadget Use in Schools; Advocates Safe Digital Spaces to Empower Filipino Youth

Globe supports the Department of Education (DepEd) policy on the responsible use of gadgets in schools. Through DepEd Order No. 006, s. 2026, or the Guidelines on Ensuring Safe and Motivating Learning Environment (ESMLE), the Department recognizes that while gadgets are generally regulated during instructional hours, they remain appropriate for educational purposes and emergencies.

Every Filipino child deserves the opportunity to learn, create, and thrive in a digital world that is safe and secure by design. As technology and artificial intelligence transform education and everyday life, Globe believes protecting children online should go hand in hand with empowering them to develop the skills they need for the future.

The company advocates a balanced approach that promotes the responsible use of the internet and digital devices through stronger platform safeguards, informed parental guidance and consent, and digital literacy. These principles are reflected in Globe's numerous community and youth-oriented programs that promote the safe, responsible, and mindful use of technology among students, parents, teachers, and communities. Together, these create a safer digital ecosystem where young people can confidently explore, learn, and thrive online.

For Globe, children benefit most when online platforms strengthen age-appropriate safeguards, parental controls, privacy protections, and content moderation. Combined with responsible parenting and digital literacy, these measures create safer online experiences while enabling young people to maximize technology as a tool for learning, innovation, and development.

Globe believes the new DepEd circular reflects the important principle that technology, when used responsibly and supported by the right safeguards, is a powerful enabler of learning. This is consistent with the United Nations' guidance on children's rights in the digital environment, which calls for protecting children online while ensuring they continue to benefit from education, information, and opportunities in the digital world.

Yoly Crisanto, Globe Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer,   said creating safer digital spaces is key to preparing young Filipinos for the future. “We aim to give the youth and students access to technology, alongside the need to be responsible online. In the age of AI and digital learning, connectivity opens doors to education, innovation, and equal opportunities."

Globe believes creating safer digital ecosystems requires shared responsibility among technology companies, parents, educators, government, and communities. This approach is increasingly reflected in global discussions on child online safety. UNICEF has called for safety-by-design, stronger platform accountability, and meaningful parental involvement, while the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) says age-based restrictions are most effective when complemented by safer platform design, digital literacy, and family engagement. In the Philippines, the Child Rights Network (CRN) has likewise advocated for making online environments safer.

Globe continues to translate this advocacy into action through its Digital Thumbprint Program (DTP), which has reached more than 2 million Filipino students since 2016 to promote digital citizenship, cyber wellness, and responsible online behavior. Through its #MakeITSafePH campaign and Online Safety Glossary, Globe also helps Filipinos recognize online threats, build safer digital habits, and navigate the digital world with greater confidence. The company likewise works with government and industry partners to combat online sexual abuse or exploitation of children (OSAEC) and child sexual abuse and exploitation material (CSAEM).

By combining stronger platform safeguards with digital literacy, responsible parenting, and sustained collaboration across sectors, Globe believes the Philippines can create safer digital spaces that unlock learning, innovation, and future opportunities for every Filipino child.

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