NOW THAT MANY CHILDREN have become technology-savvy and going online, it is necessary for teachers to know the important role they play to protect each child from various forms of child abuse.

This was inculcated to teachers during the opening of a three-day seminar on Oct. 18 at the British International School Manila in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City, made possible by UK’s Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP). The CEOP is UKs national police agency set up to protect children from sexual exploitation.

The seminar, which ended Oct. 20, sought to make participants get a clear understanding of how offenders behave in the online environment; of “grooming”processes using practical case studies of offenders at work; of young people’s risk-taking behavior to protect children online and what practical measures can be done in the workplace.

Tim Gerrish, coordinator of the International Child Protection Network (ICPN) at the CEOP, warned of the risk in the online Internet environment that  may be used by sex offenders.

CEOP is committed to supporting investigations surrounding the sexual abuse of children both nationally and internationally, Gerrish said, adding that they continually share the latest techniques and best practice with professionals in the field so that they can learn from their joint experiences and develop effective methods in combating the said “online crime.”

He said not only one agency can solve this problem but more partners.

“The overarching fact is that every child matters everywhere and we need to protect them,” Gerrish said, adding that the ICPN has been visiting other countries like Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia with the same aim to safeguard children.

Gerrish is optimistic that after the seminar “there would be a multiplying effect” by sharing with the children how to stay safe every time they use the Internet and how to know sex offenders.

The Department of Education (DepEd) expressed confidence that the department is on the right track in “safeguarding” children in all forms of abuse.

“The children could feel that we really care for them. We have our policy and guidelines and that we don’t want to settle child abuse, we are dealing with it,” Education Assistant Toni Umali told the reporters in an interview at the seminar.

Umali added that teachers here are doing different approaches in helping students who are victims of abuse.

“Pag nakikita ng mga teachers na ang estudyante nila ay mukhang me pinagdadaanan, dinadalaw nila ito sa bahay upang matulungan,” Umali added.

Earlier, one DepEd official revealed that there were seven regions with high incidences of sexual abuse reported among students in public elementary and secondary levels.

Education Undersecretary for Plans and Programs Yolanda Quijano said these regions are the focus of the implementation of Personal Safety Lessons in partnership as provided under DepEd Order 45, Series of 2000 pursuant to Proclamation 731 declaring the second week of February of every year as “National Awareness for the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation.”

Quijano said these regions are National Capital Region, Calabarzon, Central Luzon, the Bicol Region, Western Visayas, Eastern Visayas and the Cordillera Autonomous Region.

She added that the report showed that incidents of sexual abuse appeared prevalent among elementary students not only in schools but also within the family circle.

The DepEd also is set to come out with a more comprehensive child protection policy to shield schoolchildren from abuse, exploitation and discrimination, including bullying. The DepEd said these have serious effects on their attendance and focus in school.

Education Secretary Armin Luistro reiterated that school personnel and the public in general must be reminded that corporal punishment and violence in any form is not allowed in public schools whether committed by adults or the children’s peers.

“We reiterate that school personnel who commit such acts are violating the provisions of Batas Pambansa 232 and that they can be held criminally liable including dismissal from the service,” Luistro said.

Republic Act 7610 listed down acts that constitute child abuse and are therefore considered a criminal offense. This includes psychological and physical abuse, neglect, cruelty, sexual abuse and emotional maltreatment. Also included is any act by deeds or words which debase, degrade or demean the worth and dignity of a child; unreasonable deprivation of his basic needs for survival such as food and shelter; as well as failure to immediately give medical treatment to an injured child resulting to serious impairment of his growth, permanent incapacity or death. (Claudeth Mocon)