Closer monitoring of students’ online activity after Tacloban school shooting urged

National

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) has urged parents, guardians, and schools to closely supervise children’s social media and gadget use following the shooting incident at a school in Tacloban City, saying changes in online behavior may help identify early warning signs of possible violence.

According to a Philstar report, PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the June 22 shooting at San Jose National High School highlighted the need for stronger involvement from families and educators in monitoring students’ online activity.

Nartatez said parents and guardians should remain actively involved in their children’s digital lives and treat their online activities with the same level of concern as their physical safety.

“Parents and guardians serve as the first line of defense. They must be present and vigilant in their children’s digital lives, treating their online activity with the same level of concern as their physical whereabouts,” Nartatez said in a Philstar report.

He also called on schools to work closely with teachers in identifying students who may need early support due to changes in behavior.

Investigators earlier said one of the suspects had allegedly uploaded videos showing violent content, including footage of himself firing a gun before the attack.

Following the incident, Nartatez said warning signs may appear social withdrawal, exposure to violent material, and the use of radical language. He added that early reporting of such behaviors to school officials or local authorities could help prevent similar incidents.

The case has raised concerns about the ability of schools, parents, and authorities to detect early warning signs among minors, particularly those active online.

Authorities are also investigating how the suspects gained access to firearms, along with school security and child protection measures. Police said one of the guns allegedly used in the attack was registered to a police officer related to one of the suspects. (Rythrishia Llagas, UP Cebu COMM Intern)