Whenever babies are born around the world, it is an obvious fact that there are different circumstances. For most couples, it was a mutual decision to sire and raise a family. For others, the pregnancy was a fortuitous accident. But there are still others that are unwanted so in the process were given up. That’s the most unfortunate part. There are even those who are born amid violence and political unrest. Thankfully, children are protected by law. As declared in the Geneva Convention, the human rights of a Filipino child should be upheld (ideally) at all times. These should all the more be upheld in the digital age when threats are enormous and often unseen.
10 Rights of a Filipino Child
When a child has been prayed for and longed for, there is such a strong emotion and burst of pride when that child is born. Before the child is born, the parents prepare themselves physically and emotionally. A nursery is set up at home and the entire house undergoes child-proofing. The expectant parents even take different prenatal classes to be fully equipped when the child arrives.
When the child finally comes out, parents dote on the newborn, giving him or her all their attention, resources, and love. They only want to give the best care and nutrition for their baby.
But not all children are that fortunate to have loving parents. Thankfully, the law is on their side.
A Child’s Needs Covered
Here are the ten basic rights of a Filipino child.
- The right to be born and be declared a citizen of the country.
- To be free and have a family who will take care of him or her.
- The right to have access to education.
- To be able to develop his or her potential.
- The right to have enough food and shelter, and to have a healthy and active body.
- For access to opportunities for play and leisure.
- To be protected against child abuse, danger, and violence brought about by war and conflict.
- The right to live in a peaceful community.
- To be defended and assisted by the government.
- The freedom to express his or her views.
The Rights of a Filipino Child in the Digital Age
When the rights of the child were formulated in the Geneva Convention, that was still in the 1940s. They didn’t have computers and internet back then. Not sure if these are institutionalized, but I think that children’s rights in the digital age should also be institutionalized.
These rights highlight the importance of creating a safe, inclusive, and empowering digital environment for children, ages 0 to 18. The internet is a place where they can explore, learn, and connect with others while being protected from harm and exploitation. It requires collaboration among governments, technology companies, educators, parents, and civil society to uphold and promote these rights effectively.
Right to Privacy
Children have the right to privacy online, including protection from unauthorized access to their personal information. Platforms and services should prioritize privacy settings and ensure that children understand how their data is being used.
Right to Safety
Children have the right to be safe from harmful content, cyberbullying, exploitation, and other risks while using digital platforms. This includes measures to prevent exposure to inappropriate material and to mitigate online harassment.
Right to Access Information and Education
Children have the right to access accurate and age-appropriate information online for educational purposes. Efforts should be made to bridge the digital divide and ensure equitable access to educational resources and opportunities.
Right to Freedom of Expression
Children have the right to express themselves online, subject to reasonable restrictions to protect their well-being and the rights of others. Platforms should provide a supportive environment for children to share their thoughts and ideas safely.
Right to Digital Literacy
Children have the right to receive education and support to develop digital literacy skills, including critical thinking, media literacy, and online safety awareness. This empowers them to navigate the digital world responsibly and effectively.
Right to Participation
Children have the right to participate in decisions that affect them online, including policies, regulations, and design of digital platforms. Their perspectives should be considered in the development of technologies and online services.
Right to Digital Well-being
Children have the right to a healthy balance between online and offline activities, with measures in place to prevent excessive screen time and promote digital well-being. This includes support for managing digital distractions and fostering meaningful offline relationships.
Right to Data Protection
Children have the right to have their personal data protected online, with safeguards in place to prevent unauthorized collection, use, and disclosure of their information. Data protection regulations should take into account the specific needs and vulnerabilities of children.
Right to Redress
Children have the right to seek redress and remedies for harm experienced online, including access to support services, reporting mechanisms, and avenues for legal recourse against perpetrators of online abuse or exploitation.
Right to be Forgotten
Children have the right to have their personal data deleted or removed from online platforms when it is no longer necessary or relevant for the purposes for which it was collected.
Yes this is so right….The Convention outlines in 41 articles the human rights to be respected and protected for every child under the age of eighteen years. Definition of child as “every human being below the age of eighteen years”, unless the national law considers majority attained at an earlier age.
very timely din kasi naglipana na naman ang mga masasamang loob at ginagamit ang mga bata ngayon. Sa balita lang nung kamakailan ,sariling Nanay binebenta ang anak online para gumawa ng kahalayan. 😔😥
Wow!! That’s nice worth time to read 🥰
Ang ganda nang shinare nyo po mommy..
Thanks for sharing this.at tama nga naman na bigyan Sila ng protection at priority din natin bilang magulang na protektahan at pangalagaan Ang mga Anak natin dahil saklaw ng lipunan Ang pangangalaga sa mga bata and when it comes to digital time like this Wala namang masama pero in my opinion gusto ko pa rin yung dati na kahit walang internet eh Ang Saya Saya ng mga bata pero Ang advantage to have the internet eh nakakapag communicate Tayo sa Ibang tao kahit na nasa malayo pa Silang lugar
Tama po..protektahan natin ang Bata hanggat Wala pa 18 ..chaka nasa atin rin panu natin Sila disiplinahan at gabayan ng Tama at turuan ng magandang asal.para hhnggat pag laki nila alam nila tama at Mali
As a parent we should know these rights of our children, we must be responsible in all aspects especially when it comes to online/digital access. We must protect their rights. Sa panahon pa naman ngayon, nagkalat na lahat ng treats online and super accessible na sya for kids dahil sa paggamit ng gadgets, bantayan at i-guide natin ang kids sa tamang paggamit at pag-access ng internet. Daming learnings dito. Worth to read. Thanks for sharing, Mommy Sig!
Sa Hirap ng Buhay mahirap talaga ang Bumuo ng Pamilya at Magkaanak,but when the Blessings come it is important that we support and give them the best and proper rights that they deserve
Ganda naman po nito mi kahit sino may karapatan at maging malaya na gawin lahat ng gusto special for kid basta ang Importante na guide, napapahalaga at protection din natin sila lalo na sa panahon ngayon po thank you for sharing this mi
This is what we need right now. Ang ma inform about sa right of a child in a digital age. Sobrang helpful nito to all of us. Need natin malaman ang mga ganitong bagay para magabayan ng tama ang ating mga anak.
Tama po eto dapat naten alamin ang rights mga anak naten hayaan naten silang maging bata ienjoy ang lahat
Having child/children is a blessing from above. Kaya very it’s important na we parents are ready both financially, physically, mentally and all aspect. We need to protect them and give them the rights that they deserved.