Council for the Welfare of Children Calls for Vigilance Against Online Exploitation

MANILA: The Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) has issued a strong appeal to parents to monitor their children’s online activities closely to protect them from exploitation. CWC Executive Director Angelo Tapales highlighted the importance of parental responsibility in safeguarding children from web-based threats, including harmful content and individuals.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Philippine National Police reported 17,681 cases of violence against children in 2023, with rape and acts of lasciviousness among the top violations. The CWC is particularly concerned about the rise in online sexual abuse and exploitation, often perpetrated by individuals close to the victims. Tapales criticized the mindset that views child exploitation as a means of contributing to family income, stressing the need for heightened awareness and prevention efforts. The CWC is also monitoring the emergence of AI-generated exploitation materials, advocating for a proactive approach to combat this evolving threat.