Children across the world are online from their earliest years. They use Internet-connected digital devices to access information or entertainment, and to explore their creativity and self-expression. However, as children’s screen time increases, they increasingly risk exposure to disturbing content, unwanted contact, commercial exploitation and impacts upon their psychological wellbeing and health. The Philippines is reported to have one of the highest rates of Internet use in the world, as well as high rates of online bullying.

A new project, directed by Nicholas Carlisle, CEO of Power of Zero, in collaboration with Carolina Uno Rayco at the Philippine Mental Health Association, will develop learning materials to teach kindergarteners the core character strengths they need to navigate their online and off-line lives.

A series of participatory design sessions for the learning materials will be conducted with the kindergarten teachers and parents at the Child Development Center of the University of the Philippines. The Center is a preschool for children ages three months to five years, that is also used as a learning and teaching “laboratory” by the University. The project will be overseen by a Steering Committee that includes representatives from UNESCO, UNICEF, Microsoft and Xbox.

The character strengths that will be targeted as part of the curriculum include emotional regulation, resilience, creativity, critical thinking, kindness, respect and inclusivity.

Outputs of the project will include 

(1) A set of classroom learning materials for teaching character strengths to kindergarteners 

(2) A written teacher guide and training materials for teachers in how to teach the lessons 

(3) A technical report from the University of the Philippines outlining the participatory design development process and insights learned.