In an era where the digital landscape has become an inescapable part of childhood, the question is no longer whether children should go online, but how we can ensure they navigate it safely. Many children begin exploring the digital world as early as six years old, often stumbling into environments filled with scams, cyberbullying, online predators, and identity theft.
To address this urgent need, tech journalist and advocate Art Samaniego has authored The Kingdom of Privacy—a children’s book designed to introduce cybersecurity, privacy, and responsible digital citizenship in a fun, engaging, and age-appropriate way.
“We teach children how to cross the street safely,” Samaniego notes. “We teach them not to talk to strangers. We should also teach them how to stay safe online. That is why I wrote The Kingdom of Privacy.”
A Tool for Digital Resilience
The Kingdom of Privacy serves as a foundational step toward building a digitally resilient generation. Rather than relying solely on technological restrictions, the book focuses on empowering the children themselves. Samaniego stresses that the ultimate defense against online threats is awareness and critical thinking.
“The safest child is not the one with the newest phone, the fastest internet, or the latest apps,” says Samaniego. “The safest child is the one who knows when something feels wrong, knows who to turn to, and has trusted adults who will listen, believe, and act.”
The book encourages an open dialogue between young readers and the adults in their lives, framing internet safety not as a restriction, but as a vital life skill.
Localizing the Message: The Language Challenge
As The Kingdom of Privacy nears its final publication, Samaniego has actively sought feedback from educators, friends, and followers to refine the content. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, sparking further requests to translate the book into local languages, including Tagalog, Cebuano, and Ilocano, to ensure wider accessibility for Filipino children.
However, translating abstract digital concepts for young minds presents unique linguistic challenges.
“One challenge immediately stood out,” Samaniego shares. “There doesn’t seem to be a simple, child-friendly Filipino equivalent of the word ‘privacy.’ Google suggests pribasiya, but I don’t think most children would easily understand it. Privacy is a concept that needs to be expressed in words that young readers can relate to without requiring lengthy explanations from adults.”
To overcome this, Samaniego is actively collaborating with translators, linguists, and educators to find relatable, localized terms that resonate with young readers across the Philippines.
About the Author: Art Samaniego
Art Samaniego is a prominent figure in the Philippine technology sector, widely recognized for his work as a tech editor, journalist, and information security advocate. With years of experience monitoring the evolution of digital threats, he has dedicated much of his career to educating the public about cybersecurity.
Samaniego views online safety not as a solo endeavor, but as a collective societal duty. Through The Kingdom of Privacy, he aims to bridge the gap between complex cybersecurity concepts and early childhood education.
“Keeping children safe online is a shared responsibility,” Samaniego emphasizes. “Parents. Teachers. Schools. Government. The church. Technology companies. Law enforcement. Communities. And every one of us… Together, let’s raise a generation of children who know how to protect their privacy, recognize online threats, think critically, and use technology responsibly.”