Digital Safety Concerns in Australian Schools and Philippine Cyber Abuse Cases
Published on 4.16.25
The increasing use of technology in education has raised concerns over safety and responsibility among parents and educators alike. In Australia, schools have become one of the biggest users of technology, with students spending an average of four hours a day on devices in class.
In the Philippines, a 2024 report from CWC revealed a significant rise in online abuse cases, with 279,000 cyber tip-offs received by the Department of Justice-Office of Cybercrime in 2020. This has sparked concerns among parents like Stephanie Nunn, who is worried about her six-year-old son Sebby's safety and responsibility when he starts using devices for school.
Undersecretary Angelo M. Tapales emphasized the importance of collaboration between government agencies, civil society organizations, and community leaders to safeguard children's rights and well-being in the digital world. The Regional Council for the Welfare of Children (RCWC) organized a workshop to build resilient systems to handle emerging threats like online sexual abuse and exploitation.
The weight and cost of carrying a laptop to school every day are also concerns for parents, highlighting the need for schools to balance technology use with child safety and well-being.