Protecting Our Future: A Stand Against OSAEC-CSAEM This National Children's Month

 JOANNA LYNN GAMBOL                                                                                      10-MARTINELLI

The 2025 National Children's Month calls us to action with its powerful theme: "OSAEC-CSAEM Wakasan: Kaligtasan at Karapatan ng Bata, Ipaglaban!" This translates to "End Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM): Fight for the Safety and Rights of Children!" It's a stark reminder of the dangers our children face in the digital age and the urgent need to protect their safety, dignity, and rights.

Our government has taken steps to create a safer environment for children, particularly in the digital realm. Laws like the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act and the Anti-Child Pornography Act lay the groundwork for prosecuting offenders. The Cybercrime Prevention Act also extends protection to online spaces. Law enforcement agencies such as the PNP and NBI have dedicated units working to combat cybercrime and child exploitation, often collaborating with international organizations like INTERPOL and UNICEF to tackle transnational crimes.

Our government has taken steps to create a safer environment for children, particularly in the digital realm. Laws like the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act and the Anti-Child Pornography Act lay the groundwork for prosecuting offenders. The Cybercrime Prevention Act also extends protection to online spaces. Law enforcement agencies such as the PNP and NBI have dedicated units working to combat cybercrime and child exploitation, often collaborating with international organizations like INTERPOL and UNICEF to tackle transnational crimes.

However, there's always room for improvement. Stronger enforcement of existing laws is crucial, along with boosting the capacity of law enforcement to handle online child abuse cases. Prevention is equally important, requiring enhanced digital literacy for both children and parents. Allocating sufficient resources to child protection programs and fostering collaboration between government, NGOs, and the private sector can lead to more effective strategies. Laws must also be updated regularly to keep pace with evolving technologies. By focusing on these areas, we can create a more secure environment for our children's development and well-being.

Let's unite this National Children's Month to amplify the call to action: "OSAEC-CSAEM Wakasan: Kaligtasan at Karapatan ng Bata, Ipaglaban!" Together, we can make a difference in safeguarding our children's future.

Reference:

• UNICEF Philippines. (n.d.). Child Protection. Retrieved from https://www.unicef.org/philippines/child-protection