Manila, July 9 -- The Department of Education (DepEd) on Thursday expressed support for legislative measures that would strengthen digital literacy, internet safety and online child protection in schools, saying learners must be equipped not only with access to technology but also with the values and judgment to use it responsibly.

During a Senate Committee on Basic Education hearing, DepEd Undersecretary for Governance and Operations Malcolm Garma said digital competence has become an essential life skill as learners increasingly navigate online spaces, social media, artificial intelligence tools and other digital platforms.

"Beyond providing access to technology, our schools must equip learners with the values, knowledge, and critica...