AT the recently concluded CERTCON 2024, led by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Office of Cyber ​​Security, Undersecretary Jeffrey Ian C. Dy, in his opening remarks, reiterated the need to collaborate and build connections in what looks at cyber security issues and how Filipinos can respond to them.

Internet access occurs daily at home, in business, and at school, and protecting that access is a must, especially for young Filipinos.

Teaching cyber security in schools, starting in elementary school, is an urgent need in the Philippines. As digital technology is woven into everyday life, there is a high potential for cyber threats. 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 mainstreaming cybersecurity education early in the curriculum, the Philippines can equip its youth with essential skills to protect themselves and contribute to a safer, digitally literate society.

The increase in internet access and social media usage among young Filipinos underscores the need for cyber security education. According to a 2022 report by We Are Social, 75% of the Filipino population uses the internet, with the average user spending nearly 11 hours a day online.

For children, much of this time is spent on social media, online gaming, and streaming content. Unicef’s 2021 report on the online behavior of children in the Philippines revealed that more than half of Filipinos between the ages of 9 and 17 have had negative experiences online, including cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate content and online scams.

This exposure, without adequate education on safe online practices, leaves them vulnerable to cyber threats that can have serious consequences for their mental, emotional and physical well-being.

A lack of basic cyber security awareness among young people often leads to risky online behaviour. Studies show that young internet users frequently share personal information online, including their home address, school location and family details, sometimes even with strangers.

Without understanding the implications, young people tend to download apps and software without checking their security settings or reading privacy policies. This is a worrying trend as unguarded online activity opens doors for cybercriminals to exploit personal data, commit identity theft or worse, groom minors for exploitation.

Unfortunately, the Philippines is among the top 10 countries globally in terms of online child exploitation risks, according to a 2022 report by the International Justice Mission. By teaching children basic cyber security skills early, the country can take significant steps to reduce these risks and promote responsible internet use.

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

Australia, Canada and the United States have introduced cyber security awareness programs tailored for different age levels, focusing on internet safety, privacy awareness and understanding fingerprints. These programs highlight that cybersecurity is not just about advanced technical knowledge, but rather about building a foundation for safe online behavior.

In the Philippines, introducing these concepts in grade school could transform the way the younger generation approaches technology. The need for cybersecurity education extends beyond personal safety; it is crucial to national security and economic resilience.

Cyber ​​crimes

Cybercrime costs the global economy billions of dollars every year, and the Philippines is no exception. A 2023 report by the Philippine National Police (PNP) revealed that the country has seen a 200 percent increase in reported cases of cybercrime in the past five years.

These cybercrimes range from online fraud and hacking to data breaches affecting businesses, government agencies and individuals. With so much of everyday life and commerce online, the demand for cybersecurity professionals is on the rise. However, the Philippines currently does not have sufficient manpower to deal with the growing threats.

By introducing cyber security concepts to students at an early age, the country can cultivate a generation that not only understands cyber risks, but is also prepared to enter the cyber security field as future professionals, filling a critical gap in the workforce.

A digital approach to education would also benefit students’ career prospects. The World Economic Forum predicts that cybersecurity will be one of the most in-demand skill sets in the coming decades.

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

However, implementing a cybersecurity curriculum in primary schools in the Philippines will require resources and teacher training. Most schools do not yet have the infrastructure or teaching staff with knowledge of cyber security.

Government collaboration with technology companies and educational institutions can address this need. Partnerships with the private sector, where cybersecurity experts can contribute to curriculum design and delivery, have proven successful in other countries.

These initiatives could be a role model for the Philippines.

Kay Calpo Lugtu is the COO of Hungry Workhorse, a digital and cultural transformation firm. Her advocacy includes food innovation, nation building and sustainability. She can be contacted by email: (email protected)