PLDT and Smart have partnered with Kids for Kids PH and the Positive Youth Development Network (PYDN) to develop a storybook that advocates for children’s rights and promotes online child safety called ‘Ang Paglalakbay ni Tala’ (The Adventures of Tala). The book follows Tala who entered the metaverse where she learned about her rights and what she can do to ensure that these are protected. She also became aware of the dangers on the internet.
“PLDT and Smart believe that child protection, especially in the digital age, begins at home. The storybook offers an opportunity for parents and guardians to sit with children and talk about internet safety so they can #BeCyberSmart and protect themselves from threats on the internet and in the physical world,” said Stephanie V. Orlino, AVP and Head of Stakeholder Management at PLDT and Smart.
The Adventures of Tala also contains curated activities to further develop cybersecurity awareness among children. The book aims to help young readers identify and avoid threats in the cyberworld including cyberbullying and inappropriate materials. The book also promotes safe online habits and safekeeping personal information. It also teaches children to be kind, respectful, and responsible digital citizens.
Launched in support of the efforts of the Department of Justice (DOJ) to end human trafficking and violence against children during the celebration of the National Children’s Month, the book is deeply rooted in PLDT and Smart’s internet safety and media information literacy advocacies under their #BeCyberSmart program.
On ground, the #BeCyberSmart campaign links the PLDT Group with schools, businesses, and other local organizations to share practical information on online threats and cyber-attacks.
Inspired by its whole-of-nation approach to internet safety, the PLDT Group continues to collaborate with lead agencies like the DOJ, the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC), the Department of Education (DepEd), and allies from the private sector like Kids for Kids PH and PYDN to create a safe digital space for children.
Kids for Kids is a 100% youth-led movement to make every island a creative and safe ecosystem for children to discover, dream, and shape legacies of their own. Through play, placemaking, and storytelling, Kids for Kids inspires the spirit of hope within kids today, to pass the same soul within kids of tomorrow.
PYDN is a youth-led, youth-centered non-profit local organization that partners with government, nongovernment, businesses, and community-based institutions in implementing innovative programs with and for young people. Its initiatives are anchored on the organization’s core values of courage, creativity, and compassion.
PLDT and Smart’s initiatives to create a safe digital environment for children and their collaboration with like-minded organizations underscore the Group’s long-term commitment to help the country attain UNSDG No. 16 which promotes just, peaceful and inclusive societies including the end to abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children.
‘Ang Paglalakbay ni Tala’ is available as an eBook here: https://bit.ly/AngPaglalakbayNiTala
