IN TIME for the celebration of the 2018 National Children’s Month, which is observed every November by virtue of Republic Act 10661, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 7 launched a campaign against Online Sexual Exploitation of Children (OSEC) and Child Pornography in four schools in Lapu-Lapu City and Cordova last Nov. 6 and 7.
Last Nov. 6, the DSWD team went to Babag I Elementary School and Babag National High School. The following day, the team visited Ibabao Elementary School and Cordova National High School.
The activity aims to promote prevention of the proliferation of cases on the different kinds of child abuse and the risk of irresponsible use of different social media sites or internet to children.
A total of 133 students aged 10 to 17 years old, mostly Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries, joined the activity.
The participants viewed an informative animated movie that involves child trafficking and child pornography. Social Welfare Officer III Mylen Estardo discussed the movie with them after.
Students also shared their reactions after watching the movie “Red Leaves Falling.”
“I am sad. I am angry,” said Shane, 12, while her peer Mark, also 12, said: “I pity the child. I almost cried.”
Carolina Nuyda, the project development officer of the DSWD-led inter-agency council, discussed to the student-participants the significance of promoting and protecting children’s rights--especially the right of a child to be protected from sexual exploitation including prostitution and the use of children in pornographic materials. She also highlighted the importance of online safety tips to prevent OSEC and Child Pornography.
Nuyda encouraged the children to resist, run and report if someone tries to take a sensual photo or video of them.
She also told the children to refrain from watching and sharing any materials with sexual graphics especially if there are children involved in the pornographic material as it is prohibited by Republic Act 9775 or the Anti-Child Pornography Law.
At the end of the activity, student-participants were asked about the important takeaways from the discussion so that they may be able to share them with others.
“If someone needs help, we should help them. Their cry for help should not fall on deaf ears,” said participant James, 10.
Ryan, 17, expressed the right things to do when confronted with situations where children are abused: “If we experience it, take action. Speak. We should report to the police.”