The National Telecommunications Commission and the United Nations Children’s Fund teamed up with telecom operators to ensure the security of parents and children both online and offline amid the public health emergency.
UNICEF said in a letter to NTC the Covid-19 crisis and the enhanced community quarantine left people relying on the Internet for information and entertainment. It said that as it left many families suffering from the economic strain, parents and children become more vulnerable to exploitation and abuse both online and offline.
The NTC extended its support in spreading information to alleviate the situation. The telecommunications sector is also sending out text blasts encouraging subscribers to visit Unicef.ph and Saferkidsph.org for information and tips on how to support parents and children in managing the impact of Covid-19.
Unicef.ph contains UNICEF’s various programs, research and reports on issues affecting Filipino children, stories of beneficiaries and volunteer opportunities. The website also includes latest updates and news on Covid-19, UNICEF’s initiatives on helping children affected by the Covid-19 crisis and advice for parents and families on coping with the current situation.
SaferkidsPH, on the other hand, is an initiative of UNICEF, the Australian Embassy, Save the Children and The Asia Foundation. The website includes information on how to reduce and prevent online sexual abuse and exploitation of children in the Philippines.
DICT Secretary Gregorio B. Honasan II said the agency appreciates UNICEF’s initiative in reaching out to the government to help protect children from online and offline threats.
“The DICT appreciates the proactive stance of UNICEF. From our side, we assure them and the public, in general, that DICT will continue to perform its cybersecurity duties to ensure the safety of all Filipinos, especially our children, amid this crisis,” he said.
