In PNG Cybercrime is at its highest peak, from email fraud, ransomware, card skimming, cyberbullying, and child pornography that need serious addressing. Recognizing the growing dangers of the online world, Save the Children partnered with META, the parent company of Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram, to launch the I Am Digital (IAD) program. This initiative aims to educate students and communities on how to navigate the digital landscape safely and responsibly. And with an Exclusive Interview with PNG HAUSBUNG, Isabel Druma the Advocacy and Communications Manager of Save the Children PNG, she shared insight on the ONLINE SAFETY Awareness. “There’s a significant gap in cybersecurity awareness in PNG, especially among children,” Ms. Druma said. The awareness program begins as a pilot in the National Capital District, with a two-fold approach: Empowering students as IAD ambassadors Directly engaging entire School Assemblies. The IAD Ambassadors program trains students from grades 9 to 11 to become online safety advocates within their schools and then these ambassadors pass on their knowledge to peers through peer-to-peer education. Last year, 10 ambassadors successfully completed training and began rolling out sessions before the school holidays. “We’ve seen students become more aware of online risks,” Isabel said. “Before this, many students didn’t know the dangers of befriending strangers online or how to protect their personal information.” Alongside the ambassador program, Save the Children is directly engaging entire School Assemblies with sessions targeting students from grade 5 to grade 11 and anyone with access to phones or the internet. These sessions focused on online behavior, stranger danger, and protecting personal information. “We found that many students were unaware that sharing personal photos or becoming friends with strangers online could be harmful. These sessions are about changing that,” Isabel explained. To sustain the impact, Save the Children also conducts workshops for teachers with sessions to provide educators with tools and knowledge on the Cybercrime Act and strategies for creating child-friendly spaces to discuss online safety. The Workshops also emphasize referral pathways for reporting cybercrimes, such as the OneTalk Helpim Counseling Line (7150 8000), which connects victims to the cybercrime unit for further support. “We’re equipping teachers with resources to foster a safe digital environment in schools,” Isabel added. The program's success lies on Save the Children's collaboration with the National Office of Children and Family Services (NOCFS), META, Netsafe New Zealand, and organizations like OneTalk Helpim Counseling Line. Together, they’re creating comprehensive resources and educating stakeholders about PNG's Cybercrime Act. "With initiatives like I Am Digital and Save the Children, we continue to protect and empower the next generation of PNG’s digital citizens, ensuring a safer and brighter future for all."