As the country
wraps up this year’s Safer Internet Month, UNICEF Philippines awarded the first-ever annual badge of recognition to
digital influencers who accepted the challenge to be Creators #ForEveryChild.
They have lent their unique creative platforms and reach to fight for the
rights of every child in the country, especially the most vulnerable to online
abuse and exploitation.
(Left to Right): Creators #ForEveryChild Anina Rubio, AJ Bacar, Cat Triviño and Buji Babiera together with UNICEF Philippines Advocacy and Communications Chief Lely Djuhari (center)
The Creators #ForEveryChild - AJ Bacar, Anina Rubio, Buji
Babiera, Cat Triviño, Ginger Arboleda, Inka Magnaye, Jing Ruiz, Karl
Bautista, Raco Ruiz, Reb Atadero, Riyan Portuguez - received
the badge and certificates of appreciation during the Safer Internet Convention
on Digital Responsibility held by UNICEF today. These influencers’ have
contributed to ending online sexual abuse and exploitation of children,
including abusive and exploitative materials. This is very timely, as most
Philippine children and young people look up – some of them exclusively - to
social media influencers for informative content.
This year’s theme
calls on everyone to prevent
this scrouge and work with Government to step up implementation of Republic Act
11930, otherwise known as the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of
Children and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Material Act, that
strengthens the country’s response and protection of children to online
predators. According to a UNICEF-ECPAT-Interpol Disrupting Harm study, 20 per cent of children, 12 to 17, reported being
victims of this abuse in 2021. Unfortunately, due to stigma, disclosure is
disproportionately low - despite various
reporting channels. Only 0-4 per
cent of victims ever reported, and only 0-3 per cent know how to report to the
police or to helplines.
The convention was attended by close to 100 children and
youth who co-developed a Digital Responsibility Programme which aims to
increase the capacity and protective behavior of learners and teachers in
navigating online and digital platforms. It was organized by the Positive Youth
Development Network, the Department of Education and the local government units
of Valenzuela City and Angeles City with UNICEF support.
UNICEF
Philippines underscores the importance of adults and children in growing their
understanding of their digital responsibility. Safer internet Month is helping
build youth, parent and caregiver’s digital literacy or the skills they need to
live, learn, and work in a society where information is increasingly channeled
through digital technology and social media. Ultimately, the collective effort
will maximize the positive experience that children and young people can get
from the internet, while preventing all forms of online abuse and
exploitation.