This article highlights the growing threats children face online, particularly online sexual abuse and exploitation. It emphasizes the need for a collective effort from parents, government, and the private sector to protect children in the digital age.
As a parent and an internet user, I constantly balance the benefits of digital connectivity with the growing threats lurking online. The internet is an indispensable tool in today's tech-driven world, but it's also a dark avenue for exploitation, deception, and abuse.
In light of recent Safer Internet Day 2025, we need to shine a stronger spotlight on the dangers our children face online, especially the persistent threat of Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM). These heinous crimes are a stark reality in our country, and tackling them requires a collective effort from families, government institutions, and the private sector. \Unfortunately, the Philippines holds the grim title of being one of the top global sources of OSAEC and CSAEM. According to the International Justice Mission, an estimated 500,000 minors have fallen victim to these crimes. The numbers could be even higher due to underreporting—many cases go unreported because the perpetrators are often family members, and victims are either unaware or too afraid to seek help. The digital platforms we use every day have become marketplaces for exploitation. The shift in the Philippine Safer Internet Day theme to “Digital Bayanihan, Para sa Kabataang Ligtas at Protektado Online” is a welcome move that recognizes the urgency of safeguarding our children in this digital age. \Cybercriminals continue to evolve, preying on individuals through online scams. Phishing remains rampant, tricking users into giving up sensitive personal information. Vishing, or voice phishing, manipulates victims through fraudulent phone calls. International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) catchers, used to intercept mobile communications, pose an alarming risk to privacy. These cybercrimes target everyone—our children, our elderly, the tech-savvy, everyone online. This is why raising awareness must go beyond one-day commemorations. Digital literacy and cyber hygiene should be integrated into our education system and continuously reinforced at home. \Several Philippine laws exist to protect children, including Republic Act 11930, which specifically targets OSAEC and CSAEM by imposing stricter penalties and mandating digital platforms to monitor and report such crimes. Other legal safeguards include the Cybercrime Prevention Act (RA 10175), the Anti-Child Pornography Act (RA 9775), and the Data Privacy Act (RA 10173). But legislation must have strong implementation, and cooperation among law enforcement agencies, tech companies, and international organizations are crucial in taking down online predators and scam operators. The private sector, particularly telecommunications companies and internet providers, plays an important role in promoting a safer online environment. Globe, for instance, has invested millions in content-filtering technology and has successfully blocked thousands of domains containing child abuse materials. The Digital Thumbprint Program started in 2017 teaches students, parents, and senior citizens digital etiquette, responsible use of the internet and has since been enhanced to spot and protect against scams and other cybercrimes. Likewise, PLDT and Smart, in partnership with NGOs, are educating children about online risks through interactive storytelling initiatives. Google has also launched Enhanced Play Protect in the Philippines to prevent harmful apps from infiltrating users’ devices. Protecting children from digital threats ultimately begins at home. Parents must take an active role in educating their children about online safety. Setting up parental controls, adjusting privacy settings, and limiting screen time are just some of the measures we can implement. More importantly, we need to foster an environment where our children feel safe talking about their online experiences. They must know that they can come to us if they encounter suspicious messages, cyberbullying, or any form of exploitation. \The fight against online threats is a shared duty that requires active participation from all sectors of society. Let us make the internet a safer place by educating ourselves, reporting suspicious activities, and advocating for stronger online protections, ensuring that as the digital world evolves, so do our efforts to shield our children from harm. At the heart of this advocacy is a simple yet powerful message: our children deserve to explore the internet without fear. It is up to us—parents, educators, businesses, and policymakers—to ensure that they can do so safely. Together, we can build a digital environment where they are protected, empowered, and free to learn and grow shielded from the cyber specter of exploitation and crime
Online Safety Child Protection Cybercrime Digital Literacy Safer Internet Day
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