Online child abuse top cybercrime in Philippines

MANILA, Philippines — Filipino children have a massive presence in the internet and online child abuse is the leading cybercrime in the Philippines, according to the United Nations children’s agency.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said new technologies, such as live streaming, are “putting more Filipino children at risk of sexual abuse.”

The National Baseline Survey on Violence Against Children shows that nearly one in two Filipino children aged 13 to 17 experienced cyber violence.  

“Filipino children have a massive presence online. One in three internet users is a child,” Julia Rees, UNICEF  representative, said.

“While the government has been trying to respond to the demand, breadth, scope and agility of the technology – not to mention the extreme accessibility of digital platforms – there must be more that we can do together to protect our children,” she added.

To address online child abuse, the Australian embassy in Manila initiated the SaferKidsPH Program and is providing P298 million over six years to fund this.

The embassy hosted yesterday the partnership launch of SaferKidsPH – the pioneering consortium composed of UNICEF, Save the Children and The Asia Foundation.

Aligned with the Philippines’ goal to end violence against children by 2025, SaferKidsPH will involve children, parents, schools, local groups, civil society, businesses, media and the government to promote online safety.

Australian Ambassador Steven Robinson said Australia is committed to advancing the rights of children and protecting them from exploitation, abuse and violence.

“Addressing online sexual exploitation and abuse of children is a global concern. SaferKidsPH reinforces our commitment to support the Philippine government’s efforts to address this complex form of human trafficking,” Robinson said.