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The Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) on Sunday reminded Filipinos that the welfare, dignity, and best interests of children should be the priority above media exposure, content creation, and public discussion.
“We urge parents, guardians, content creators, media practitioners, and the public to exercise precaution and responsibility whenever children are featured in media and digital platforms,” CWC executive director and Undersecretary Angelo Tapales said in a statement.
“The pursuit of views, engagement, or public attention should never come at the expense of a child’s rights and welfare,” he added.
The CWC stressed that although children have the right to participate and express themselves, “adults bear the responsibility of ensuring that such participation is safe, appropriate, and protective of their rights and overall well-being.”
The agency – which is under the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) – also expressed concern over increasing incidents of online and offline bullying involving children.
“Regardless of the issue at hand, children should never be subjected to public ridicule, harassment, cyberbullying, hate speech, or other forms of abuse that may negatively affect their development, mental health, and sense of security. Every child deserves to grow up in an environment where they are respected, protected, and valued,” the CWC said.
Tapales also underscored the importance of adhering to the CWC’s Guide for Media Practitioners on Reporting and Coverage of Children.
The guide promotes five key principles of child-rights-based media practice: upholding children’s right to privacy, respecting the child’s agency, encouraging meaningful participation, ensuring dignified treatment, and handling stories with sensitivity.
“These principles serve as a guide in ensuring that children are portrayed and engaged in ways that protect their rights and promote their best interests,” the CWC said.
The agency urged Filipinos to be responsible digital citizens and active child protection advocates.
“Let us create online and offline spaces where children are safe from harm, exploitation, and bullying, and where their voices are heard with respect and care,” the CWC added.
Reports of violence, abuse, exploitation, neglect, bullying, or other violations of children’s rights may be coursed through the MAKABATA Helpline 1383 through the following channels:
- Call 1383
- Smart: 0919-354-1383, Globe: 0915-802-2375
- Chat via Makabata Helpline 1383 Facebook and Instagram
- Email: [email protected]
- Report through the eGovPH super app of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and select “child abuse.”
— JMA, GMA News
