THE COMMISSION on Human Rights has called for heightened protection of students from  sexual exploitation and other forms of abuse as the world celebrates International Day of Education.

The commission stressed the need for a tighter watch after the Department of Justice reported that online sexual exploitation of children spiked by over 260 percent amid the lockdowns imposed because of the pandemic.

“Protection of young people from all forms of abuse is among the obligations of the state. A holistic approach in ensuring the protection of children from all forms of abuse also includes ensuring that they are well-informed of their rights and that they receive proper psychosocial support from their teachers and parents,” Jacqueline de Guia, CHR spokesperson, said in a statement.

She also cited the findings of the Anti-Money Laundering Council that the number of suspicious transactions involving child pornography doubled from P65.8 million in 2019 to P113.1 million in the first half of 2020.

“Even more concerning are the alleged reports of ‘Christmas sale’ of sensual photos and videos sold by students on social media sites for as little as P150 to help raise funds for distance learning-related expenses,” De Guia said.

She called on the National Telecommunications Commission to be vigilant in ensuring that internet service providers block access to all websites carrying child pornography materials.

“Failure of ISPs or reluctance to comply with measures that combat online sexual exploitation of children must be sanctioned,” she said.

Meanwhile, the CHR welcomed the move of the Department of Education to provide psychosocial support and training for parents, teachers, and school heads amid the shift to blended learning.

“DepEd’s initiative aims to teach parents, teachers, and non-teaching personnel to protect the health, safety, and well-being of their children,” she said.