Rappler Launches Civic Circles Panel to Tackle School Violence and Digital Risks

On September 10, Rappler streamed a live panel titled “Civic Circles: How can we keep our children and schools safe?” from its Civic Hub in Pasig City. The event, a pilot partnership with CyberGuardiansPH and the Mental Health Youth Hub, addressed the surge in school violence and online threats. Rappler’s community head Pia Ranada moderated a discussion featuring Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, who outlined local government strategies for child protection and campus safety; Police Capt. Wallen Arancillo, spokesperson for the PNP Anti‑Cybercrime Group, spoke on online grooming, cyberbullying, and digital protection in off‑campus hotspots; and Dr. Princess Gairanod, a child protection specialist from the Philippine Pediatric Society, discussed student mental health, psychosocial care, and safeguarding protocols. After the Q&A, on‑site attendees joined a workshop to develop actionable responses across four Civic Circles—campus security, psychosocial care, policy governance, and digital safety. Solutions generated may be featured on Rappler to spur broader discussion and potential adoption by local governments, schools, families, and communities.