FAMILIES, schools, private industries and the government are called to work together in protecting children from sexual exploitation and abuse online through helping develop a platform where children are safe and guarded.
One platform is AlamBaU.ph, a resource center and an online hub to educate, support and connect stakeholders in protecting children from online pedophiles and perpetrators.
“The idea is to make a platform for stakeholders, such as the government, media, parents, teachers and even children, where they could collaborate to find ways or mechanisms on how to prevent or protect children against online abuse and exploitation,” said Rash Caritativo, executive director of Dakila, a non-profit group composed of thespians from Cebu.
The website features segments directed to four target audiences: the kids, teens, parents and teachers, so different audiences have access to material, such as videos and infographics, appropriate for their age.
It also features a resource page containing downloadable information and education materials such as the Cyber Safe Modules for teachers as well as printable posters and brochures they could use for the classroom. Stakeholders can also collaborate through resource sharing through uploads.
“There are also directories in AlamBaU.ph wherein, in times of abuse, they could easily contact agencies who can help them such as the Children’s Legal Bureau for Visayas,” Caritativo said.
The website can be translated to two local languages, Tagalog and Cebuano and possibly other languages in the future.
“We coordinated with AlamBaU.ph two years ago because we feel that the children are not safe online and with the use of internet since there are many exploiters online,” said Atty. Joan Saniel, executive director of the Children’s Legal Bureau (CLB).
“Since we cannot stop children from using the internet, all we can do, as advocates, is prevent abuse and exploitation of children online,” said Caritativo.
The website is still being developed and is inviting collaborators to help improve and develop the website.