Parents told: Supervise children’s internet usage

A  CHILDREN’S Legal Bureau (CLB) representative has reminded parents to supervise the internet usage of their children and learn how to navigate through the web to understand their kids better.

CLB's lawyer Joan Saniel, in 888 Media Forum on Tuesday, December 12, said there is a need for a holistic approach in dealing with the issue on abuse of children online.

“The problem will not arise if we have strong foundation in the family and in the school that is why we heavily suggest that education should start in [the] home and followed by [the] school,” said Erica Mae Abelgas, a youth leader representing child rights advocate groups.

Saniel added that the CLB is tapping into schools to include personal safety lessons into the curriculum and encouraging the public to do all possible advocacies to prevent cybercrime.

“Lisod jud i-monitor [ang perpetrators] so we go into prevention aspect... kay lisod jud dakpon run (It’s hard to monitor and catch all the perpretrators so we focus on the prevention aspect instead),” Saniel said.

The CLB and artist-advocate group Dakila launched a website in 2016 that addresses cybercrime and advocates online safety.

“AlamBaU.ph is a platform that would allow stakeholders—the media, government, parents, teachers, and children—to find ways or mechanisms on how to prevent or protect children against online abuse and exploitation,” said Dakila representative Rash Caritativo.

Caritativo said there is a need to empower children to protect them and uphold their rights.

She added that the website is segmented into four different target audiences: kids, teens, parents, and teachers.

The website features various age-appropriate videos, infographics, tips, teaching manuals, a nationwide hotline directory, and other relevant content.

The CLB and Dakila representatives encouraged government, organizations, academe, and other stakeholders, especially children, to collaborate and help protect kids from online exploitation.

For concerns or complaints, the CLB can be reached through their hotline numbers (032) 255-8016 / (032) 253-3627 or (+63)9 97 247 7522, or email address at clbphilscebu@gmail.com. (USC AB Communications Interns Erica Dancel and Vincent Clark Ermac/SunStar Philippines)