Creating a safer Online Environment for Every Child (CONEC) (Philippines)
Online Child Sexual Exploitation is an on-going problem in the Philippines.
Online child sexual exploitation remains a serious and growing threat in the Philippines. While the internet offers children opportunities to learn, play, and connect, it also exposes them to abuse and exploitation. Terre des Hommes Netherlands, in partnership with Bidlisiw Foundation and PACT, works to strengthen child protection systems to prevent online sexual exploitation.
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Michael Conrado
Programme ManagerI’ve met girls and LGBTI children who were hurt online but stayed silent because they are scared, ashamed, or afraid no one would believe them. Project CONEC is here to change that. By working with government, families, communities, and children themselves, we help build gender- and age-responsive protection systems that uphold every child’s right. Because every child, regardless of SOGIESC, deserves to be heard, protected, and free to be themselves. Let’s let children be children—also online.
Background
The Philippines is among the global hotspots for online sexual exploitation of children (OSAEC), driven by widespread poverty, digital connectivity, and weak enforcement of child protection laws. Many children—especially girls and LGBTI youth—are vulnerable to abuse, often within their own homes, and may be coerced or exploited for financial gain.
Families struggling economically may unwittingly become complicit. Despite growing awareness, stigma, lack of support services, and limited local government capacity continue to hinder response and prevention. A systemic, inclusive, and community-based approach is essential to protect children, build resilient families, and hold perpetrators accountable.
Goals
Our Approach
The CONEC project is implemented in Taguig city, Cebu city, Mandaue city and Bohol province in The Philippines.
Online safety education and advocacy
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. We advocate for inclusion of diverse gender identities in online safety mechanisms.
Income and education
We support victims of online sexual exploitation with school fees and materials, provide families with livelihood assistance and training, and promote stable home environments to reduce the risk of further exploitation.
Strengthening local authorities
We support and collaborate with local authorities to ensure timely and appropriate action against child abuse and exploitation. Government officials and civil society groups are trained to respond and refer cases in a child-friendly, trauma-informed 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.
Our Results
- Increased awareness and engagement of children—especially girls and LGBTI youth—as well as families and communities in OSAEC prevention and response.
- Enhanced accessibility and quality of child-friendly, trauma-informed protection services at both local and national levels.
- Strengthened local government capacity to respond promptly and appropriately to OSAEC cases.
- Improved economic resilience among families, reducing vulnerability to exploitation.
Our partners
Implementing Partners
Funding Partners
European Union
The European Union (EU) is a unique political and economic union of 27 European countries. It aims to promote peace, free trade, and shared policies.