by: Gelaine Gutierrez
QUEZON CITY (PIA) – Nette Castillo of Barangay Camarin in Caloocan City shared the same concerns that many parents in the Philippines have.
As mother to a 17-year-old, she is always on the alert about the risks her only child may experience online, such as scams, harassment, and political arguments.
“We always tell our child not to accept friend requests or chat with strangers on the internet,” Castillo said in Filipino.
Her concerns are common.
A recent United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) U-Report survey of over 1,200 Filipino children and youth, including 430 females, shows that young people want a safer and smarter online world.
According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), nearly 60% of women globally have suffered digital abuse, whether through their phones or online. Online violence can happen to anyone, anywhere, and at any time, but it particularly impacts women and girls.
As we celebrate Girl Child Week from March 23 to 29, now is a great opportunity to amplify their voices and help every girl, and the youth in general, to explore the internet safely with confidence.
Parents must not only watch their children’s online activity but also help them create safe and responsible digital habits. Here are some key tips to help your child be safe online:
- Teach them not to accept friend requests or messages from strangers.
- Remind them to think before posting. Encourage them to ask, “Would I share this photo or information with a stranger?” If the answer is no, it shouldn’t be posted.
- Ensure their accounts are set to private, including location settings.
- Create a safe space for open communication. Let your children know they can come to you or another trusted adult if something online makes them feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
Lifeline for children in need
Executive Order No. 79, signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in 2024, establishes the MAKABATA Helpline 1383 as the main support system for all Children in Need of Special Protection (CNSP).
This is an important step in protecting children in the Philippines, as it creates a permanent, dedicated channel for children to safely report abuse, exploitation, neglect, or any violation of their rights.
Through the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC), the government ensures that Filipino children have access to help, guidance, and vital services when they need it most.
If you or someone you know needs help, call 1383 because every child deserves to be heard, protected, and cared for. (GLDG/PIA-NCR)
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