As the number of Filipino families relying on the internet for everyday life continues to increase, so does the need to protect children, especially those with disabilities, from online risks.
 
PLDT and Smart, in partnership with the Kabahagi Parent Advocates Organization (KPAO), are helping protect children with disabilities in Quezon City from online harm. Parents and carers of children with disabilities recently participated in a #BeCyberSmart workshop held in Batasan Hills.
 
One of the participants, Josefa Peñaflor, a 41-year-old mother caring for two children with autism and another with a learning disability, urged fellow parents to deepen their awareness of online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC).
 
“We need to guide our children as they navigate the internet,” she said. “Let’s teach them to be responsible netizens and help them recognize potential red flags.”
 
Elijah Mendoza, Senior Manager of Digital Communications at Smart, emphasized the importance of practicing safe online habits.

 
“The internet offers endless opportunities to learn and connect, but it also comes with risks,” Mendoza said. “We encourage parents to be vigilant—avoid oversharing personal data, use strong passwords, and stay alert against social engineering tactics. Being CyberSmart means being proactive in protecting our families, especially in the age of artificial intelligence.”
 
PLDT and Smart rely on the group’s Child Protection Platform (CPC) to stop the spread of child sexual abuse and exploitation materials (CSAEM) online. In the first ten months of the year, the platform blocked more than 700,000 attempts to open explicit child content. By the end of October 2025, the platform had blacklisted more than two million CSAEM links and domains.
 
Beyond online safety, PLDT and Smart also recognize the emotional and mental health challenges faced by families of children with disabilities. Riyan Portuguez, popularly known as Your Millennial Psychologist, highlighted the importance of supporting the well-being of parents and caregivers.
 
“Caring for a child with special needs can be deeply rewarding yet emotionally demanding,” Portuguez shared. “Self-care is not selfish—it’s essential. When we take care of our mental health, we become better equipped to handle stress and be more present for our loved ones.”
 
PLDT and Smart continue to promote a strong culture of cybersecurity through education and awareness campaigns, empowering families to #BeCyberSmart. This whole-of-nation approach aims to ensure safe, meaningful, and inclusive digital experiences, so every Filipino can live a fuller, more connected life.