Smart Communications, the wireless arm of PLDT Inc., is calling on students to be more cautious about what they share online, warning that social media posts could have long-lasting consequences.
Speaking at the 2025 AngelNet Summit organized by the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group, Smart’s Digital Communications senior manager Elijah Mendoza reminded attendees that digital footprints can be permanent.
“Once you post something on the internet, it is likely to stay there forever. It may never disappear,” Mendoza said during a session with high school students. “As a rule, if you can’t confidently do it in person, it may not be a good idea to show it online.”
The event forms part of PLDT Group’s #BeCyberSmart campaign, which aims to educate the public—particularly children and teens—on cybersecurity and online responsibility. The program encourages digital hygiene, vigilance against scams, and tighter control over personal data shared on social media.
Mendoza urged students to avoid oversharing, noting that routine details such as daily schedules, room layouts or pet names could inadvertently give away sensitive information. “The key is mindfulness. You won’t hand over the key to your house to a random person. It’s the same in the digital world,” he said.
Smart’s initiative comes amid growing concern over online safety and exploitation. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, PLDT and Smart’s Cyber Security Operations Group blocked more than 338,000 attempts to access child sexual abuse and exploitation materials (CSAEM). The group has also blacklisted more than 1.7 million URLs linked to illegal content.
The #BeCyberSmart campaign supports the PLDT Group’s broader cybersecurity efforts and aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal No. 16, which advocates for the protection of children from abuse, trafficking, and violence.
The AngelNet Summit brought together educators, students, and law enforcement to discuss ways to strengthen cyber protection and promote responsible digital behavior.
