Digital Literacy in Schools Act

Senate Office of the seetary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE P6:29 25 SEP 10 REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session RECEIVED BY: SENATE S. No. 1376 INTRODUCED BY SENATOR JV EJERCITO AN ACT REQUIRING THE TEACHING OF DIGITAL LITERACY AS A PART OF THE CURRICULUM OF GRADE SCHOOLS AND HIGH SCHOOLS, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR EXPLANATORY NOTE Filipino learners now grow up in a world where study, work, and everyday life all have a digital layer. By 2024, nearly one in two households (48.8%) had home internet, and about two in every three Filipinos aged 10 and above were already online. The reach is wide; the risks and responsibilities are real. 1 The scope of Digital Literacy goes beyond just operating devices. It includes the ability to access, evaluate, create, and share information safely and responsibly, and to practice sound digital citizenship. UNESCO's Media and Information Literacy (MIL) framework and UNICEF's definition for children both emphasize critical thinking, safety, and ethical participation in digital spaces, competencies that are best taught systematically in school. 1 Philippine Statistics Authority. (2025). Percentage of households with internet connection increased to 48.8 percent in 2024; two in every three individuals aged 10 years and over used the internet. 2 Nascimbeni, F., & Vosloo, S. (2019). Digital literacy for children: Exploring definitions and frameworks. UNICEF.

While our existing policy environment already contains some anchors for safety such as the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (RA 10173) which protects personal data, while the Anti-Bullying Act (RA 10627) explicitly covers cyberbullying in basic education, what's needed now, and what this proposed measure seeks to address, is providing education so learners can navigate risks before harm even occurs. For these reasons, the Digital Literacy in Schools Act aims to create a standards-based, developmentally appropriate digital literacy program in all public and private basic-education schools. By equipping learners with practical skills and sound judgment online, this measure aims to keep classrooms safer, improve learning quality, and prepare graduates for the demands of further study, work, and civic life. In view of the foregoing, immediate passage of this measure is earnestly sought. JV EJERCITO

Schate Office of the Screary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 25 SEP 10 P6:29 First Regular Session SENATE RECEIVED BY: S. No. 1376 INTRODUCED BY SENATOR JV EJERCITO AN ACT REQUIRING THE TEACHING OF DIGITAL LITERACY AS A PART OF THE CURRICULUM OF GRADE SCHOOLS AND HIGH SCHOOLS, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the This Act shall be known

2 as the "Digital Literacy in Schools Act".

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State to

4 ensure the general well-being of the public in both online and offline environments. 5 To this end, the State shall add a subject on digital literacy into the curriculum of all 6 grade schools and high schools in order to ensure students are digitally responsible 7 and increase online safety.

SEC. 3. Digital Literacy. - For purposes of this Act, digital literacy is the ability

9 to use technology to find information, evaluate sources, create content, and communicate with others effectively. Digital Literacy may include the ability to use computers and mobile devices including the apps and tools therein, access accurate and reliable information online, and effectively communicate online through social media. Furthermore, digital literacy can also help in understanding the rights, responsibilities, and ethical considerations related to using digital technologies, including issues such as online privacy, cyberbullying, digital footprint, copyright, and digital security, and adhering to appropriate codes of conduct and legal requirements.

SEC. 4. Digital Literacy Education in Schools. - The Department of Education

2 (DepEd) shall develop a Digital Literacy Curriculum conducive to grade school and 3 high school students which shall include, but not limited to, the following: 1. Basic computer skills; 2. Choosing and evaluating reliable sources or information online; 3. Development of digital communication skills; 4. Analyzing advertisements online; 5. Analyzing the different digital communities; 6. Understanding the importance of privacy and security online; 7. Understanding social media and its pros and cons; 8. Understanding and evaluating online searches; 9. Navigation of mobile apps and tools; 10. Cybersecurity and data privacy awareness; and 11. Producing digital content and information.

SEC. 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Department of Education

(DepEd) shall promulgate the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) implement the provisions of this Act.

SEC. 6. Appropriations. - The funds needed for the implementation of this Act

shall be sourced from the budget of the Department of Education (DepEd).

SEC. 7. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is held invalid or

unconstitutional, the same shall not affect the validity and effectivity of the other provisions hereof.

SEC. 8. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and

regulations, and other issuances or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 9. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication

in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. Approved,