ONLINE SHOULD BE SAFE: Create Foundation’s Digital Literacy Initiative for Safer Internet

In the Philippines, we are slowly adapting to a more digital world. With the continuous development of the eGov app, the passing of the Konektadong Pinoy Act, and the expanding access to the internet, our country is not standing idly by as new technologies reshape daily life.

Despite these advancements, the Philippines remains a frequent target for crimes in the digital space. Children and youth are regularly exposed to content or behavior online that makes them feel unsafe — and the numbers reflect just how widespread the problem is. According to recent data, 85.56% of young Filipinos reported encountering online abuse or dangerous content, with 57.26% saying it happens multiple times (UNICEF, 2025). From inappropriate content to online harassment, the challenges are real, and for many, it is a constant battle.

The Online Should Be Safe (OSBS) campaign is Create Foundation's Digital Literacy initiative that promotes the safe and responsible use of online spaces. Through this campaign, Create Foundation joins the global Safer Internet 2026 movement — and in particular, its local efforts in the Philippines — to champion cybersafety for young users.

Our first OSBS Training was held on March 18, 2026 at Create Hub-HOH, with the staff of Home of Hope and AMG Sum-ag Child Development Center as participants. Three resource speakers covered key topics: Online Safety Basics, Data Management and Protection for Small Organizations, and Online Safety for Children in Residential Care Facilities (RCFs). The speakers were Mr. Joemarie Heradura from the USLS College of Computing Studies – IT Department, Ms. Happy Olmedo from the DICT Negros Occidental Provincial Field Office, and Mr. Miguel Zaldarriaga from SOS Children's Village Iloilo.

The Online Should Be Safe campaign is ongoing — a continuing effort to find safer, smarter ways to navigate the digital world, especially for children, who remain the most vulnerable in online spaces.