The Quezon City government is ramping up efforts to create a safer online environment for children and teenagers, with the city council preparing legislation focused on digital awareness and healthy screen time. The proposed ordinance seeks to guide young people toward responsible internet use both in school and at home.
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Mayor Joy Belmonte said the measure forms part of a broader initiative to ensure adolescents grow up in a digital space that promotes safety, accountability, and well-being. The move coincides with this year’s observance of Safer Internet Day for Children, during which the city highlighted the need to shield minors from online abuse and exploitation.
To reinforce its advocacy, the local government brought together student leaders, parents, barangay focal persons for child protection, and internet service providers to promote ethical and responsible technology use. Discussions included artificial intelligence, cybersecurity basics, reporting mechanisms, and digital self-care strategies. The mayor noted that mental health and digital well-being were also key points of focus.
Ordinance on Digital Wellness and Screen Time
The proposed ordinance, which will be taken up by the Sangguniang Panglunsod, aims to institutionalize policies on digital wellness and healthy screen time for children and teens. City officials said the measure will help ensure adolescents are properly guided in navigating online spaces safely, whether inside classrooms or at home.
The city cited findings from the Global Online Safety Survey conducted by technology company Microsoft, which revealed that teens globally often face online risks such as hate speech, scams, and cyberbullying. At the same time, 72 percent of them have spoken to someone after experiencing a threat, with reporting behavior increasing for the second consecutive year.
Emphasizing the importance of institutional support, the mayor stated, “Data show that our young people are not helpless; they are capable of reaching out and reporting the dangers that they experienced online. As the local government, this is where we have to take action: we have to build an environment where our children can feel safe to speak up and ask for help.”
Expanding Digital Literacy and Protection Programs
As a pilot city of UNESCO for Media and Information Literacy, Quezon City continues to champion initiatives that empower residents, especially the youth, to think critically about information and responsibly use digital platforms.
To strengthen parental involvement, the Gender and Development Office, in partnership with the Public Affairs and Information Service Department, will relaunch “TekkiNanay,” a program designed to provide parents with essential digital literacy skills so they can better guide their children online.
Frontline responders, including social workers, psychometricians, police officers, and teachers, also underwent training under the Multi-disciplinary team- Basic Internet Crimes Against Children (MDT-BICAC) of the International Justice Mission. The program aims to enhance their ability to respond to cases of Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children.
Reaffirming the city’s commitment, the mayor said, “We have to make the internet a safe and meaningful space for our children, where they can thrive, learn, and express who they are. Dito sa QC, walang puwang ang panganib: online man o offline. We will ensure a child-friendly digital space for our children.”
As internet access continues to expand across the Philippines, initiatives like this signal how local governments can play a vital role in protecting young users. Building safer digital spaces means not only reducing online risks but also fostering resilience, responsibility, and healthier technology habits for the next generation.
