The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) of the Philippines has affirmed its endorsement of Senate Bill (SB) 2934, an initiative aimed at integrating Internet safety education into the curriculum of elementary and secondary schools. This legislative proposal is designed to protect children from the perils of online sexual abuse and exploitation. The CHR’s statement of full support arrives as concerns regarding the safety of children in cyberspace continue to escalate.
The proposed bill, SB 2934, aims to complement existing legislation, specifically Republic Act No. 11930, known as the “Anti-Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM) Act” which was enacted in 2022. The new bill seeks to equip children with essential knowledge and a responsible attitude towards Internet usage, fostering a proactive approach to combat potential threats encountered online.
In its commendation of the bill, the CHR underscores the necessity of urgent action to address what it sees as an alarming issue. This sentiment aligns with the findings of a UNICEF study from 2017, which identifies the Philippines as a major source and hub for child pornography and highlights that around 80% of Filipino children are at risk of online sexual abuse. The study accentuates the importance of digital literacy education as a preventive measure.
The CHR acknowledges the efforts of Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada, who has been at the forefront of driving this legislative proposal. By institutionalizing Internet safety education, the bill intends to provide young Filipinos with the tools needed to protect themselves and navigate the digital landscape responsibly.
UNICEF has also highlighted the gravity of the situation, reporting that approximately two million children in the Philippines experienced online sexual abuse in 2021. As such, the organization has stressed the need for measures that ensure a safe digital environment for children.
The CHR, which holds the authority to investigate human rights violations linked to civil and political rights, maintains that integrating Internet safety education in schools is critical. The commission believes that this integration will empower children with the necessary knowledge and skills to function safely online, contributing to a more secure digital space for all users in the Philippines.
For more details, visit the original report by JURIST.