The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has called on the public, especially netizens, to stop sharing on social media photos and videos showing children being abused.
DSWD secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman stressed that degrading incidences or abuses of children should be reported at the soonest possible time to the nearest DSWD office or the Philippine National Police (PNP).
This came after videos of abuses on children went viral on social media: the child on a leash; child with cigarette; child tied to a post and including earlier videos of abuses on children.
?As we all know, social media has its good and bad sides. What is important is for us to be responsible in reporting these cases of violence, whether done in jest or not, to authorities for immediate action,? Soliman said.
She added, ?Once you receive photos or videos on abuses, please do not share them because these will also lead children to experience insecurity and low self-esteem when they grow older.?
Meanwhile, the Secretary warned parents and perpetrators to avoid making the same mistake committed by the mother of the child on a leash as they could be held liable under Republic Act 9262 or the Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) Act and under Republic Act 7610 or the Anti-Child Abuse Law. — PIA