Dagupan city: The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) is urging parents and teachers to closely monitor the content children are consuming, not only on TV and films but also online. Speaking during a seminar on responsible viewing in Dagupan City, MTRCB Chairperson Diorella “Lala” Sotto-Antonio noted that online content are not under the agency’s jurisdiction.

According to Philippines News Agency, Sotto-Antonio stated, “Our jurisdiction only is limited to motion pictures, movies in cinemas and television programs. We are worried with the emergence of online content available in gadgets accessible to the young.” To address this concern, the MTRCB is conducting the “Responsableng Panunuod” (responsible viewing) and “Responsableng Paggabay” (responsible guidance) seminars in schools and communities nationwide.

“We go beyond reviewing the materials that are submitted to us,” Sotto-Antonio said. Under “Responsableng Panunuod,” the MTRCB educates parents, teachers, and guardians about available in-app technology regulations, such as turning on child-friendly setup for some online streaming services. “These are the security measures, reporting mechanisms, and safeguards, which parents do not know that there are existing parental control features in online streaming app,” she added.

Sotto-Antonio emphasized that since online shows are not within the agency’s jurisdiction, this initiative helps involve parents in monitoring their child’s viewing habits. The information, she noted, will empower teachers to cascade the information to their students. On the other hand, “Responsableng Paggabay” seminars target content creators and media practitioners, fostering partnerships and coordination with them.

Local government units interested in these seminars can request them from the MTRCB via email or website. Saturday’s seminar, organized in collaboration with JCI Dagupan Bangus, aims to raise awareness on media literacy and guide families in making safer and more informed viewing choices.