Globe celebrates G DAY with Digital Thumbprint Program school tour, promotes digital safety and ethical AI use

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Reaffirming its dedication to promoting digital citizenship and online safety, Globe held a school tour as part of the annual G DAY celebration, bringing its Digital Thumbprint Program (DTP) to five schools nationwide.

The training workshops were held at Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Marikina, STI Caloocan, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, Bintawan National High School in Nueva Vizcaya, and the University of Southern Mindanao, which brought together over 1,000 students.

The Digital Thumbprint Program is a series of capacity-building workshops organized by Globe that aim to empower students and communities by promoting responsible digital citizenship and raising awareness about online safety, digital discernment, cybersecurity, mental health and wellness, and the sustainable use of technology.

The need for such programs is urgent. The Philippines faces significant challenges with online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC). Exacerbated by high internet usage, poverty rates, and advanced digital technologies, the country ranked second globally in cyber tip reports on child sexual abuse, with nearly 2.8 million incidents recorded by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) in 2022. The International Justice Mission estimates that one in 100 Filipino children has been trafficked for online exploitation.

Globe’s DTP initiative empowers students, teachers, and parents to proactively protect themselves and their communities from online risks, aligning with Globe’s mission to create a safer and more inclusive digital space. In 2023, Globe blocked over 404,730 malicious sites and links associated with child exploitation, illegal gambling, and online piracy — a 45% increase from the previous year — demonstrating its continued commitment to online safety.

In light of the increasing relevance of artificial intelligence (AI), Globe has expanded DTP to include discussions on AI ethics. The LinkedIn and Microsoft 2024 Annual Work Trend Index (WTI) study revealed that 71% of employers prefer candidates with AI skills, highlighting the need for students to understand and navigate AI responsibly.

At the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Marikina, 50 students from the College of Criminology participated in a session designed to provide them with skills to safeguard their communities from online dangers. This training supports their future roles in public safety, especially in combating cybercrime.

Students found the DTP Learning Hour helpful for raising awareness about online security. Key takeaways included avoiding scams by verifying emails, texts, and links, being cautious with public Wi-Fi, and thinking before clicking. They valued learning how to protect personal information and stay safe online.

Similarly, STI Caloocan welcomed 50 IT students, who, as part of their Foundation Day celebrations, learned about the importance of digital responsibility in their tech-driven careers.

Meanwhile, at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, 365 students from the College of Information Systems and Technology Management gained valuable insights about AI, helping them navigate the digital world and lead with integrity.

“Educating students on digital safety is essential as they prepare for a future where technology is deeply intertwined with everyday life,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe’s Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer.

“Through our Digital Thumbprint Program, we aim to empower the youth to use technology responsibly and ethically, ensuring they are equipped for the challenges and opportunities ahead.”

As part of its broader efforts, Globe also participated in the University of Southern Mindanao’s Pasiklaban 2024, enhancing festivities with a special #GDayEveryday celebration. Informative sessions on Telco 101, WiFi 101, and the DTP helped students gain practical knowledge about the digital world.

In another G Day highlight, Globe visited Bintawan National High School, nestled in the mountains of Villaverde, Nueva Vizcaya, as a gesture of appreciation for the students’ commitment to education. The visit reinforced Globe’s belief that every child deserves the opportunity to grow, learn, and dream big.

To further engage students, Globe added an exciting raffle during the DTP sessions, offering winners GFiber Prepaid plans. These plans provide fiber-fast connectivity without a lock-up period, immediately installed at the winners’ homes to support their academic and digital activities.

For more information on Globe’s Digital Thumbprint Program and its advocacy for digital safety, visit the DTP page on the Globe website.