Creating a safer Online Environment for Every Child (CONEC) (Philippines)
Online Child Sexual Exploitation is an on-going problem in the Philippines.
The internet opens many doors for children. They do their homework, play games and chat with their friends. Children spend a large part of their time online. But wide access to the internet can pose various threats to the safety of children as well. Children are at high risk of being sexually exploited.
Together with ECPAT Philippines and the Bidlisiw Foundation, Terre des Hommes Netherlands is working to strengthen child protection systems in order to prevent online sexual exploitation of children.
Background
Online Child Sexual Exploitation (OCSE) is an on-going problem in the Philippines. Although it is difficult to have accurate official data, a recent study carried out by ECPAT, Interpol and Unicef estimates 2 million children have been subjected to “grave” instances of online sexual exploitation and abuse in just one year. In the context of this study, the term “grave” includes, for example, children being blackmailed to engage in sexual activities, or the sharing of sexual images without permission.
OCSE is a complex issue that is influenced by various factors. Poverty, dysfunctional or broken homes, poor parenting, peer influence, (lack of) family values, socio-cultural beliefs and norms all contribute to the vulnerability of children.
In the Philippines, 23.7% of the population lived below the national poverty line in 2021. In addition, the internet is always within reach. The internet and smartphones are cheap in the Philippines and it is easy to transfer money online. This makes it technically easy to exploit children for money.
Traumatised children
Moreover, children and parents/guardians often have limited knowledge and understanding of online sexual exploitation of children. Many of them think that abuse taking place online is less harmful. On the contrary, online sexual abuse can be just as traumatising as offline sexual abuse. It can lead to long-term psychological and developmental problems, negative self-esteem, difficulties in concentrating, or even self-harm or suicide.
Most children remain silent out of shame about what happened to them. They suffer from anxiety and depression. Moreover, online child exploitation materials persist on the internet for a long time and can reach thousands of internet users. By circulating this material, children continue to live in fear that the material will resurface or that people will recognise them from the photos or videos.
Many children hesitate to report on caregivers or other family members that facilitate or commit the offence. Child protection systems in the Philippines are inadequate. Children often do not know where to seek help and relive their traumas due to poor victim support.
CONEC
Goals and approach
The goal of this programme is to prevent Online Child Sexual Exploitation.
Approach
Online safety
We educate children and communities about the dangers of online sexual exploitation, how to avoid it and where to go for help. We also involve teachers and owners of internet cafes.
Income and education
For victims of online sexual exploitation and children growing up in poverty, we support with school fees and scholastic materials. Their families receive livelihood assistance to ensure income security. Parents can participate in training in income generating activities. By creating a stable home situation, we reduce the risk of online sexual exploitation of children.
Strengthen local authorities
We support local authorities and work with them so that they can act quickly and adequately against child abuse and exploitation. Government officials and civil society organisations learn how to respond and refer victims in a child-friendly and trauma-sensitive manner.
Child protection system
We mobilise human, financial and material resources to enable a child protection system that offers responsive services and inclusive, locally available help.