DSWD to Netizens: Stop Sharing Photos, Videos Degrading Children

Amid the video of a child on a leash going viral on social media, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) strongly asks netizens to stop uploading and sharing photos and videos showing children in degrading situations.

“As we all know, social media has its good and bad sides. What is important is for us to be responsible in reporting these cases of violence, whether done in jest or not, to authorities for immediate action. Once you receive photos or videos on abuses, please do not share them because these will also lead children to experience insecurity and low self-esteem when they grow older,” Sec. Soliman said.

Instead, the Department appeals that netizens report these photos to DSWD or to the Philippine National Police.

Sec. Soliman cited another photo that surfaced in the internet showing a child with a lit cigarette on her mouth just a day after DSWD rescued and took temporary custody of the child on a leash.

The Secretary warned parents and perpetrators to avoid making the same mistake committed by the mother of the child on a leash. She reiterated that they could be held liable under Republic Act 9262 or the Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) Act and under Republic Act 7610 or the Anti-Child Abuse Law.

Source: www.dswd.gov.ph