Q3 BLOGPOST 1

 Fighting for the Safety and Rights of Every Child

The theme at the heart of the 2025 National Children's Month celebration is "OSAEC-CSAEM Wakasan: Kaligtasan at Karapatan ng Bata, Ipaglaban!" or, in English, "End Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM): Fight for the Safety and Rights of Children!" This slogan points out the call for immediate action to save children from the hostile world of online exploitation and abuse. Today, children live in a world filled with the internet, which, while it opens their doors to learning and communication, also presents them with stark risks. Many youngsters have fallen prey to predators who prey on their innocence and vulnerability. Such a theme calls on all stakeholders-parents, schools, communities, and government-to join forces in making life safer for every child.

Awareness, vigilance, and a sense of responsibility from all strata of society are needed to put an end to OSAEC and CSAEM. Many cases of online child exploitation occur in silence, as the victims may be too afraid to speak out or simply do not know their rights. Education serves as a method of prevention, teaching children about online protection and enabling them to report any wrong behavior. The government should enforce stronger laws and ensure that justice is served with appropriate punishment for offenders. Furthermore, social network providers and technology companies should improve their monitoring systems to trace and remove harmful content without delay. The protection of children from all forms of exploitation is a collective responsibility that requires compassion, cooperation, and sustained action. 

The celebration of National Children's Month this 2025 is more than a commemoration; it is a call to action for every Filipino to stand up for children's rights and safety. Let us always remember that every child has the right to live free from fear, abuse, and exploitation in both online and offline situations. Joining hands as a community will help in developing a safer, kinder, and more protective digital world for the next generation. It calls on us to remember that protecting our children today means securing a brighter and more just future for our nation. Let us all commit to putting an end to OSAEC and CSAEM through education, advocacy, and genuine concern for their welfare. Together, we can uphold their safety, dignity, and right to a life free from harm.

Miklic, L. (2024, December 27). UNSC adopts a resolution strengthening the protection of children in armed conflicts - Building Trust. Building trust. https://buildingtrust.si/unsc-adopts-a-resolution-strengthening-the-protection-of-children-in-armed-conflicts/