The Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) is calling on parents, guardians, and digital creators to put the safety and dignity of minors first when involving them in public conversations or online media.
CWC Executive Director Undersecretary Angelo Tapales clarified that while youth have a right to self-expression, adults hold the ultimate responsibility to shield them from the hazards of the digital world.
He warned against prioritizing online metrics over the safety of minors, stating:
“We urge parents, guardians, content creators, media practitioners, and the public to exercise precaution and responsibility whenever children are featured in media and digital platforms. The pursuit of views, engagement, or public attention should never come at the expense of a child’s rights and welfare.”
Tapales also raised alarms regarding the rise of bullying across both physical environments and social media spaces.
He emphasized that public backlash and online harassment can inflict long-term damage on a young person’s mental health and development, adding:
“Regardless of the issue at hand, children should never be subjected to public ridicule, harassment, cyberbullying, hate speech, or other forms of abuse that may negatively affect their development, mental health, and sense of security. Every child deserves to grow up in an environment where they are respected, protected, and valued.”
Concluding his statement, the CWC official challenged the general public to foster healthier digital habits and actively guard youth against online exploitation, urging:
“Let us create online and offline spaces where children are safe from harm, exploitation, and bullying, and where their voices are heard with respect and care.”