Teens train as Web Rangers to keep the Internet safe

More than 50 Filipino teenagers gathered to train as Web Rangers in a workshop designed by Google Philippines to help them effectively utilize their creativity and social influence to promote a more responsible use of the Internet.

Google Philippines, in partnership with the National Youth Commission, aims to equip the youth to develop eff ective campaigns that will help address cyber concerns in a positive way and keep the Internet a safe place.

The participants will learn from a series of talks by creative and industry veterans, including Google country marketing manager Ryan Morales; Trese writer Budjette Tan; DM9-Digit managing director and Unbox founder Carlo Ople; and DM9JaymeSyfu Chairmom and chief creative officer Merlee Jayme. The topics will cover creativity and technology, superhero characters, Internet etiquette, and developing campaign ideas.

NYC Commissioner Earl Saavedra will also deliver a keynote address to underscore the vital role that the youth play in infl uencing their peers to have better online behavior.

The Web Rangers will be divided into teams and be given three weeks to come up with their campaign. The group with the most impressive campaign will get a chance to visit a Google office in Asia to present to Google executives. Awarding will be on Aug. 20.

“Cyber threats and cyberbullying can have a negative impact in the lives of teenagers especially if they think they have no one to talk to about it. That’s why we created the Web Rangers program to train a group of teens who can be a positive influence online,” said Gail Tan, Google Philippines head of communications and public aff airs.

Google Philippines created five Web Ranger roles that teens can identify with: The Transmitter, who shares positive content; The Guardian, who is vigilant against cyber threats; The Frontliner, who takes a stand against cyberbullying; The Uplifter, who is a source of positivity for the depressed; and The Creator, who creates inspiring and empowering creative content.

At the launch event are Ryan Morales, Google PH country marketing manager; Gail Tan, Google PH head of communications and public affairs; Alex Long, Google Asia Pacific for public policy and government relations; Commissioner Earl Saavedra, National...

Teens line up to register for the Web Rangers Workshop at Top Shelf, Fully Booked, BGC.