Digital child protection law sought

LA TRINIDAD is eyeing an ordinance that would strengthen the battle against adverse effect of digital and online technologies among children.

Authored by Sangguniang Kabataan president Apolinario Bagano Jr. and Councilor Roderick Awingan, the La Trinidad Online and Digital Child Protection Ordinance stated parents are also left behind and want to learn more about the emerging digital world in which their children are growing up.

“They must be abreast of the negative effects of technology and digital media platforms and ways how they can protect their children,” the proposed measure said.

Awingan said the proposed measure is pushing for digital and online child protection programs in La Trinidad.

“With the youth addicted to online gaming and computer related gadgets, it is now the role of government to strengthen parenting through capability building programs,” Awingan added.

The proposed measure aims to provide the local government unit the authority to effectively address the challenges brought by information and communication technology.

A committee composed of the Local Youth Development Officer and the SK Federation President will spearhead the implementation of ordinance.

In addition, a massive information education campaign is set for the salient features of the proposed ordinance including digital parenting conference, school based digital parenting forums, digital youth and student summit, creation of child online and digital protection advocacy team, development and production of IEC materials, support group creation, development of intervention programs, capability programs.

The funding for implementation for the proposed ordinance is incorporated under the Office of the Municipal Mayor.

A public consultation is set on January 2019 to hear suggestions and recommendations from the stakeholders on how the government can strengthen its role on digital and online child protection.