The Council for Women and Children on Friday underscored the importance of equipping parents with knowledge that would further protect their children from harm, particularly from abuses and violence online.

As part of the National Children’s Month (NCM) celebration, CWC Executive Director and Undersecretary Angelo Tapales said they would conduct a conference to aid parents how to better protect their children.

The CWC, an attached agency of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), formulates policies and monitors and evaluates the implementation of laws, programs, or projects for children and youth below 18 years old.

The council will hold its 7th Conference on Parenting in the Digital Age on Nov. 25. This is in line with this year’s celebration of the 32nd National Children’s Month (NCM).

“Tuturuan kasi talaga natin ang mga magulang kung paano bantayan ang mga bata kaya kailangan din nilang matuto sa Internet at sa mga gadgets (We need to teach parents how to protect their children so they must also learn about [the use] of the Internet and gadgets),” Tapales said.

The CWC called for a unified approach to Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC), pointing out that the government, parents, families, communities, and power holders must work together to ensure that children’s rights are respected and upheld at all times.

In 2023, the Philippine National Police’s Women and Children Protection Center logged 19,756 reports of child abuse.

It did not say, however, how many of these cases occurred online.

Meanwhile, Tapales said the council has lined up several activities to celebrate Children’s Month.

A kick-off ceremony will be held in Cebu City from Nov. 5 to 7.

The CWC will also join the House of Representatives’ NCM celebration on Nov. 18-21 and set up booths featuring the council’s mandate, the Makabata Helpline, and informative materials relevant to advocating for safe spaces for children and youth sectors.

It will also launch the 4th National Plan of Action for Children (NPAC), which will contain the comprehensive government policy document for 2023 to 2028.

The NPAC will feature a multi-sectoral, rights-based approach aimed at progressively advancing children’s rights to survival, development, protection, and participation across the Philippines. (PNA)