Globe Digital Thumbprint Program launches module for parents to increase digital literacy

Digital Thumbprint Program Facilitator Kristen Dimayuga of Globe Citizenship entertains questions from parent participants

Coming from the success of its Digital Thumbprint Program (DTP) which provides cyber wellness and safety training to teachers and students, Globe Telecom is now educating and empowering parents to become more responsible consumers of online technology.

Globe has created a special lesson, which combines all essential learnings from DTP, and the insights gathered from research in order to educate parents and help them guide and protect their children in this digital age.

The DTP parent module was piloted in Muntinlupa Business High School, one of the Global Filipino Schools, where around 50 parents participated.

The module consists of four parts: online security and safety, digital responsibility and etiquette, how to think critically when online, and how to be a positive contributor to others through the power of technology.

“We want to enhance the cyber safety skills of our children and one of the ways to do that is to start with the parents.  Informed parents can help their kids become responsible digital citizens who act in ways that protect their individual well-being while remaining respectful towards other people,” said Miguel Bermundo, Head of Globe Citizenship and Advocacy. 

Being an information and communications technology company, Globe sees the importance of educating Filipinos on the responsible use of technology — be it through gadgets, website browsing and interacting with social media platforms.

Thus, in 2016, Globe adopted DTP, which was started by its Singtel Group affiliate Optus of Australia, to increase students’ knowledge of digital citizenship and cybersafety by taking a critical look at their online behavior and helping them develop insights into the influences of the online world and the choices they are making. 

To date, DTP workshops have already been implemented in more than 200 schools, in all 17 regions in the Philippines. Many of these schools also committed to share the workshops to their neighboring schools.

DTP has been proven to increase levels of digital citizenship awareness among the youth as reflected in a 2017 assessment conducted by Nielsen among 275 Grade 7-12 students who studied the modules except for Digital Discernment.  The study showed an increase in the number of students practicing at least one security measure to protect their information online, a large reduction in the number of students who have random interactions with strangers online, a significant increase in the number of students who are aware of how their online information is used by websites and apps, and a reduction in the number of students who visit internet cafes for online activities.

For schools and communities interested in having this free workshop, requests and nominations can be sent to [email protected]