TO ADDRESS the online exploitation and abuse of children, the Commission on Human Rights urged the public to make use of the Department of Education’s cyber safety modules.

In a statement, Atty. Jacqueline de Guia, CHR executive director, stressed the need to warn the public against the use of virtual platforms as exploitation venues for children and women.

“In the past years, the Commission on Human Rights has noted an increase in online sexual exploitation and abuse of children and have consistently called for greater government action for the protection of children against online abuse,” De Guia said.

“Thus, the Department of Education’s recent addition of cyber safety modules to help children learn the basics on internet safety is a long overdue but laudable initiative in enhancing educational safety nets to children on the dangers of improper internet usage, bullying, and online content sharing,” she added.

De Guia hoped that knowledge learned from these modules would lead to a decrease in OSAEC cases.

She reiterated the CHR’s call for the passage of House Bill J10703 or the Anti-Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children.

The measure aims to strengthen the protection for children against OSAEC-related crimes by requiring internet intermediaries and other internet or payment service providers to take down or remove websites that stream illegal content of abuse of minors.

“By increasing penalties of those found guilty, the legislative measure also intends to deter the others from the commission of crimes,” De Guia said.

“The passage of this bill shall demonstrate the resolve of the present administration to stamp out child abuse and make online spaces a safe space for children,” she added.