Protecting kids also means psychosocial support

Ma. Theresa Q. Payduan

A HOLISTIC approach in ensuring the protection of children from all forms of abuse also includes ensuring that they are well-informed of their rights and that they receive proper psychosocial support from their teachers and parents, according to the Commission on Human Rights (CHR).

Just recently, the CHR called for heightened protection of students against sexual exploitation and other forms of child abuse.

The CHR said the protection of young people from all forms of abuse is among the obligations of the state.

Sadly, date from the DOJ shows that online sexual exploitation of children "spiked by over 260 percent" during the lockdowns imposed due to the pandemic.

CHR has called on the Department of Education (DepEd) and various schools to continue ramping up efforts on child protection against cases of abuse and exploitation.

The National Telecommunications Commission should likewise remain vigilant in ensuring that internet service providers (ISPs) block access to all websites carrying child pornography materials.

In fact, the CHR said failure of ISPs or reluctance to comply to measures that combat online sexual exploitation of children must be sanctioned.

Teachers, meanwhile, should also be given support as the country shifted to blended learning during the pandemic.

The government must ensure that communication allowances to teachers are provided or reimbursed in a timely manner as teaching shifts heavily to online means, the CHR urged.

The CHR also cited DepED's psychosocial support and training provided for parents, teachers, and school heads amid the prevailing public health crisis.

DepEd’s initiative aims to teach parents, teachers, and non-teaching personnel to protect the health, safety, and well-being of their children.

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The author is Teacher II at Pampanga High School