Child protection vs new normal threats pushed

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is advocating for the protection of children amid possible threats posed under the new normal setting.

In an interview, DSWD Regional Director Marites Maristela underscored that young people’s increased exposure to gadgets and social media while staying at home amid makes them potential victims of online sexual exploitation.

“Children are one of the most vulnerable sectors affected in this pandemic… We all know that they have easy access to social media sites. The things that they can see there, or the people that they can communicate with, could exploit or abuse them especially when there is no guidance from their parents,” she said.

Widespread stay-at-home orders implemented due to the health crisis has also opened an avenue for child maltreatment happening at homes, as in most cases, the perpetrators are the parents or r el at i ves.

Also, Maristela highlighted that the mental health of children is at risk given that they only have limited face-to-face interactions with other people, especially their playmates and friends.

“Our homes are what we expect to be one of the safest places for our children, but if there are no adults who correctly guide these children, there is a huge possibility for them to be at risk to these kinds of abuses,” she said.

Young people’s access to basic health and welfare services is affected as going to hospitals for health check-ups is dangerous for them with their possible exposure to Covid-19.

Given this, Maristela stressed it is vital that parents, guardians, and caregivers are well-aware and are following and giving the correct services and interventions on the rights of children.

“Our Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program Family Development Session is also one of our ways to strengthen our guidance and reminders to our parents that it is really important to correctly guide their children. We also give them warning on the risks of the potential source of exploitation,” she added.

DSWD, together with its partner national government agencies, through the Regional Sub-Committee on the Welfare of Children, is also intensifying its protective services to young people who are experiencing abuse.

Meanwhile, Maristela urged the public to report cases of child exploitation to barangay councils

(Chris Navarro) BAKUNAHAN PARA SA MGA BATA. Angeles City Mayor Carmelo 'Pogi' Lazatin Jr. , together with aspiring Councilor RM Mamac and Balibago Barangay Chairman Tony Mamac, led's Wednesday's Community Based and Catch-Up Immunization program for kids and children at the Balibago Barangay Hall. The Magpabakuna para sa Healthy Pinas program is a joint project of the LGU of Angeles, DOH and City Health Office.