Written by: Anne Janine Paron
“In times of emergency, children are already confused and distressed from the fear and anxiety brought by the uncertainty of the spread of disease. We at UNICEF would want to ensure that there is a protective and caring environment for children at all times. We encourage all local government units to implement the recently launched Joint Memorandum Circular that shall protect the best interest of children, by ensuring that they are physically, emotionally, and psychologically protected all the time,”
said Patrizia Benvenuti, UNICEF Philippines Chief of Child Protection Section.
COVID-19 Pandemic has been a threat to everyone’s welfare especially with the rapid spread of the virus, hence, quarantine was implemented. With this, quarantine may be beneficial to minimize the spread of the said virus, but we must be aware of the dangers to the vulnerable ones like the children. With everyone resorting in the online realm, the consequences are becoming prevalent.
According to the Department of Justice (DOJ), from the data of the US-based National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC)-- 264.6% or 202,605 increased reports of Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) during the implementation of Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) in March to May 2020; compared to the 76,561 cases during the same period in 2019, the gradual increase of numbers is immensely alarming. This calls for immediate and effective action in hopes to save and protect our children.
While most of us are aware of the COVID-19 Pandemic that has been a threat to everyone’s health, OSAEC is as alarming for it is a threat to our children—children that are in dire need of help and guidance.
With that, on November 25 and 26, 2020, Save the Children Philippines hosted a two-day event entitled, “Usapang Child Rights: A Research Forum on Children’s Rights in the Time of COVID-19” and were attended by child rights experts, legislators, government representatives, and the academe. They tackled about on how the pandemic has affected children’s rights to health, education, participation, and protection.
Atty. Alberto Muyot, Chief Executive Officer of Save the Children Philippines said,
“Online sexual abuse and exploitation of children is a silent pandemic that has permanent, and devastating effects on children’s mental health and psychosocial well-being,”
Following the sudden shutdowns of businesses and workplaces that eventually resulted to loss of jobs and lack of income, families suffered from poverty. These increased the pressure and stress on parents and caregivers that can sometimes lead to increased aggression towards their children or their spouses. Also, families resort to easy money by exploiting their children online.
"We need to hold offenders accountable, but at the same time, we can also help children empower themselves so they will have the courage to access help,"
said Ysrael Colorado Diloy, from the children's advocacy group the Stairway Foundation stated.
Sex education being taboo in the Philippine culture becomes a hindrance in educating children about sexual abuse. Children have a right to an honest and open discussion about themselves and to equip them in protecting themselves against who will violate them.
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