In this post, I’m going to share how I became a youth advocate of Eliminate Online Sexual Exploitation of Children (EOSEC).
What is OSEC?
Online Sexual Exploitation of Children (OSEC) is the production of online visual materials of sexual abuse or exploitation of a minor for a third party who is not in the physical presences of the victim, in exchange for compensation.
How do I report OSEC?
First, talk to someone that you trust. It may be a family member or a friend. Second, report it to authorities. Here are some of the hotlines you may use to report OSEC:
- Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT)
- www.1343actionline.ph
- 1343 – within Metro Manila
- (02) 1343 – outside Metro Manila
- Police Station Dasmarinas – 416-2924 or 416-0842
- Rescue Center – 435-0183 or 481-0555
Youth Advocate Journey
The Philippine Children’s Ministries Network (PCMN), in partnership with Viva Denmark (VD), and International Justice Mission (IJM) started the Eliminate Online Sexual Exploitation (E-OSEC) Project in Dasmarinas City last January 2018. It’s a two-year project with the Overall Development Goal: Reduction of Online Sexual Exploitation of Children in “high-risk” cities in the Philippines through Prevention, Justice, and Restoration.
Our Barangay Chairman invited me to attend a training for Youth Facilitators last August 21, 2018. He told me that it’s about on Online Safety. The content of the seminar got my attention because I’m an online teacher. I and three other members of the Sangguniang Kabataan attended the seminar.
In the seminar, we learned how to discuss OSEC to children. We understood how to prevent OSEC by generating awareness among children. We learned how to report and manage the cases of OSEC, and to ensure legal prosecution of perpetrators.
The participants in the two-day seminar signed a contract to culminate the activity. The seminar fell on a holiday: Ninoy Aquino Day and National Heroes Day. I would say that those are well spent holidays.
I feel challenged. I’m now a youth advocate of the Eliminate Online Sexual Exploitation of Children (EOSEC). It’s the reason why I shared this experience to you. You may send a message on my Facebook Page, Travel with Karla, if you’re interested to be a youth advocate too.
My journey doesn’t end here. I’m now going to start teaching children on how to Eliminate Online Sexual Exploitation of Children.
For more details, you may contact Philippine Children’s Ministry Network:
This is why I have been limiting my kids’ web access. I think that the best prevention talaga is to delay their access to social media and other ”interactive” sites and forums. You’ll never know who the perpetrator is until it happens. Kudos to this campaign!
I completely abhor child abuse and exploitation in any form. I could not imagine that happening to my son or a loved one. This is a worthy advocacy that I would also like to support.
Hope every baranggay has this kind of effort to end online sexual exploitation of children. Everyone has to be aware and educated. Keep it up, Karla!
This issue is very timely and relevant. First, the use of internet technology is at its peak. Secondly, because of the easily accessible materials through technology, children become preys of online sexual abuse. Good to know there are programs like this to orient all net-users.
i really admire you as a blogger aside from blogging about your passion, you also try to have a voice about this very sensitive topic. God bless you and more power!
Love this campaign! Youth should really join with this kind of advocacy! Keep it up!
I think it’s important for digital influencers to use their voice in ways that can help make a change. Kudos for making a move to support the youth!
This is a great advocacy! I hope our youth will be interested in joining this campaign. Worth sharing!