Globe gathered key stakeholders and multi-sectoral partners this month in a webinar that seeks to stop online child abuse. The event aimed to boost awareness and push for sustained action towards the protection of children against online sexual abuse and exploitation. Read more about this threat against our children and what we can do to protect them. Parenting in the digital age is very challenging in itself because of the wide chasm between generations. But we can always learn the language of the young ones.

• Related: #makeITsafePH Parenting in the Digital Age

#MakeITSafePH Webinar: Stop Online Child Abuse

Marking the annual Safer Internet Day, Globe hosted the #MakeITSafePH Webinar last February 8, affirming their commitment to the advocacy for online child safety.

The learning session was streamed on the Globe Bridging Communities Facebook page. It seeks to put a spotlight on Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) in the Philippines how the public can support the fight.

“As a digital solutions group, we look for ways to combat OSAEC through partnerships, instituting technical solutions, and working with the relevant stakeholders. Ultimately, we aim to keep our kids safe when they spend time online,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe Chief Sustainability Officer and SVP for
Corporate Communications.

The Involvement of UNICEF

To lend expertise at the webinar is UNICEF, which champions child’s rights and protection. They also lead the implementation of the SaferKidsPH platform. UNICEF discussed the OSAEC landscape in the Philippines and why child protection is a collective responsibility while the Internet Watch Foundation talked about the global impact of OSAEC.

Moreover, CitizenWatch Philippines and Bantay Konsyumer, Kalsada, Kuryente (BK3) gave a perspective on how digital citizens are affected by the issue.

OSAEC in the Philippines

According to a study led by the US-based National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), entitled “Online Sexual Exploitation of Children in the Philippines: Analysis and Recommendations for governments, Industry and Civil Society,” action against online sexual exploitation of children is urgent. It is alarming to know that the Philippines is among the world’s top producers of content rooted in this form of abuse. This study was in collaboration with the Philippine government.

Based on their 2020 report, IWF found a dramatic 77% increase in the amount of “self-generated” abuse material as more children, and more criminals, spend longer online.

Multiple studies have shown that a number of families use their children as a source of income through OSAEC, especially with the onset of the pandemic, where many people lost their jobs. This is just so sad that parents had to resort to this just to feed the family. Or is it just the pandemic?

Globe’s Actions to Stop Online Child Abuse

Globe supports government initiatives to fight online sexual abuse and exploitation of children. They continue to invest in public education on digital citizenship and responsibility, such as the Digital Thumbprint Program. It has also partnered with the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) to bolster the fight against OSAEC, and the Canadian Center for Child Protection to further identify illegal websites and
block them out of its network.

Globe has invested more than $2.7 million in content filtering systems that block websites and online imagery that promote child pornography and piracy.

Moreover, the #MakeITSafePH campaign also provides practical tips and easy-to-digest information about cybersecurity and safety. It promotes online vigilance to help Filipinos defend themselves against online hacking, identity theft, and other cybercrimes.

Globe Backs UN-SDG

Globe strongly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly UN SDG No. 9 and 17. This highlights the roles of infrastructure and innovation as crucial drivers of economic growth and development.

Meanwhile, UN SDG 17 emphasizes the value of partnerships in achieving sustainable development goals. Globe is committed to upholding the United Nations Global Compact principles and contributing to 10 UN SDGs.

• To learn more about Globe, visit www.globe.com.ph.