DSWD-7 Campaigns Against OSEC and Child Pornography in Schools

In time of the celebration of 2018 National Children’s Month which is observed everyNovember by virtue of Republic Act No. 10661, the Department of Social Welfareand Development (DSWD) 7 has campaigned against Online Sexual Exploitation toChildren (OSEC) and Child Pornography to four (4) schools in Lapu-lapu City and Cordova, Cebu last November 6-7, 2018.

On November 6, 2018. The DSWD Team went to Babag I Elementary School and Babag National High School. The following day, November 7, 2018, the team also visited Ibabao Elementary School and Cordova National High School.

The activity aims to promote prevention of the proliferation of cases on different kinds of child abuse and the risk of irresponsible use of different social media sites or internet to children.

A total of 133 students aged 10-17 years old, mostly Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries joined the activity.

The participants viewed an informative animated movie that involves child-trafficking and child-pornography shown to them by Social Welfare Officer III Mylen Estardo and discussion regarding the movie followed thereafter.

Students also shared what they felt after watching the movie Red Leaves Falling. “I am sad. I am angry,” said Shane, 12. “I pity the child. I almost cry,” Mark, 12, also said.

Ms. Carolina Nuyda, Project Development Officer (PDO) III of DSWD-Led Inter-Agency Council, discussed to the student participants the significance of promotion and protection of children’s rights especially the right to protection of a child from sexual exploitation including prostitution and the use of children in pornographic materials. She also highlighted the important Online Safety Tips to prevent Online Sexual Exploitation of Children and Child Pornography.

Ms. Nuyda encouraged the children to resist, run and report if someone tries to take a sensual photo or video of them.

She also told the children to refrain from watching and sharing any materials with sexual graphics especially if there are children involved in the pornographic material as it is prohibited by the Republic Act 9775 or the Anti-Child Pornography Law.

At the end of the activity, student participants were asked important takeaways from the discussion that they may be able to share to others.

“If someone needs help, we should help them. Their cry for help should not fall on deaf ears,” said James, 10.

Ryan, 17, expressed the right things to do when confronted with situations where children are abused. “If we experience it, take action. Speak. We should report to the police,” he said.