The internet opens up a world of learning, creativity, and connection for children, but parents still play a crucial role in guiding them to navigate the digital space safely. Recognizing this responsibility, Smart has amplified its campaign on responsible digital parenting and child protection.
Promoting Digital Safety Through Engagement
To further its advocacy, Smart recently hosted a ‘Family Day’ at its flagship store in Mandaluyong City. The event gathered parents who are also content creators to exchange insights and share best practices for guiding their kids online. The event also marked the launch of the Smart Junior Plan, a unique postpaid plan that keeps parents and children connected while offering access to kid-friendly apps and ensuring a safer online experience through PLDT and Smart’s Child Protection Platform.
Here are some practical digital parenting tips shared by the participants:
1. Set Limits on Screen Time and Monitor Online Activities
Louise Santos (@mommypracticality), a mother of three boys aged 8, 14, and 21, emphasized the importance of regulating screen time, especially for her youngest. “We talk about which sites are safe and not safe. As parents, we also need to set an example,” she says.
Preschool teacher Celine Cornejo (@teachercelineph), a mom of three aged 2, 10, and 12, restricts gadget use during school nights and allows it only on weekends. “By Friday, they’re always excited,” she shares.
Similarly, model and host Kelly Misa-Fernandez (@kellymisa) revealed that her nine-year-old son’s internet access has been limited since he was five. “He’s only allowed to go online on weekends unless it’s a light school week,” she says.
2. Warn Kids About Talking to Strangers Online
Celine also teaches her children the dangers of sharing personal information such as names, addresses, and contact details. “I always remind my kids that some people pretend to be children online, but they are actually adults,” she explains.
3. Teach Kids to Verify Information Online
Celine had a tough but necessary conversation with her children when she was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer. “My husband and I told them, ‘I know you’re smart kids, but don’t rely on Dr. Google for information.’ I emphasized that my case is unique, and I have the best oncologist they can talk to if they have questions,” she recalls. This experience highlighted the importance of teaching children that not everything online is factual.
4. Connect Before You Correct
Building trust and maintaining open communication is key, according to Louise. “We want our kids to see us as their safety net. Before correcting them, we need to connect with them,” she advises.
Echoing this sentiment, host and content creator Eri Neeman (@erineeman), father to an eight-year-old son, emphasizes the importance of building a relationship where children feel safe. “If you’re always scolding your child, how can they come to you when something bad happens? Connection comes before correction,” he says.
Eri also encourages parents to assess their own parenting styles. “We need to be aware of how we were raised because we can’t pour from an empty cup. Healing ourselves helps us nurture our children,” he adds.
5. Embrace Technology and Enjoy It with Your Kids
Robin Cruz, part of the father-and-son TikTok duo @anythingarticulated, uses technology to bond with his eight-year-old son, Gabe. “We do unboxing videos together. But we have a rule—no gadgets during lunch and dinner,” he shares.
Kelly also finds joy in sharing her son’s interests. “He’s obsessed with Mario Bros., which I grew up playing. I also discovered his love for ’80s music when I checked his Spotify playlist. It’s a positive experience for me,” she says.
Meanwhile, young mom and content creator Ulya Nikita (@ulyanikitaa) cherishes her six-year-old son’s ability to message her online. “It’s heartwarming to receive notifications from my baby. It also gives me peace of mind knowing that we have a direct line of communication,” she says.
Introducing Smart Junior Plan: Keeping Families Connected Safely
The Smart Junior Plan is an innovative postpaid plan designed as a supplementary line for Smart Postpaid subscribers with Plan 999 and up. For just P499 per month, it includes:
10 GB open access data Unli All-Net Calls and Texts Unlimited access to kid-friendly apps such as:
- Khan Academy (for learning)
- YouTube Kids and Spotify (for entertainment)
- Messenger Kids and Viber (for communication)
- Mobile Legends (for gaming)
Ensuring a safer online environment, the Junior Plan is powered by Smart’s Child Protection Platform, a cybersecurity solution that blocks access to harmful and inappropriate content 24/7.
Commitment to Child Protection and Digital Safety
In 2024 alone, the Child Protection Platform blocked 1.6 million malicious sites and 1 million access attempts to harmful content. Smart also blocked over 1 million mobile numbers involved in phishing, SMShing, and vishing activities.
“Technology is ever-evolving, and with that comes both benefits and risks, especially for vulnerable children. As a responsible connectivity provider, we aim to implement safety-by-design in our products. Through the Smart Junior Plan, we keep families connected while ensuring child protection and a safer digital experience,” says Melissa Vergel de Dios, PLDT and Smart’s Chief Sustainability Officer.
Backed by Smart’s Superior Mobile Network
Smart’s powerful mobile network ensures seamless browsing, video streaming, and lag-free mobile gaming, empowering parents and kids to explore the digital world safely. Learn more about the Smart Junior Plan by visiting www.smart.com.ph/Postpaid.
