In our effort to educate and equip vulnerable communities about the risks of Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and human trafficking, and to identify the signs of abuse and exploitation, we renewed our partnership with Barangay Kaunlaran and facilitated an OSAEC awareness seminar with its 30 community youth leaders.
It is not our first time to enact our efforts here, but every time we do, we are even more reminded of the importance of the work that we do. During the discussion, youth leaders shared how technology is now embedded into their daily lives—how it makes communication, access to information, and entertainment even more convenient. But at the same time, they also recognized its dangers, such as scams, fake news, and online exploitation. Being one of the first generations to grow up with digital technology, they also understand the importance of navigating online risks responsibly.
When we started talking about OSAEC, the atmosphere changed as we crossed into a more sensitive territory. Many expressed how difficult it was to imagine the trauma experienced by victims and wondered about the lasting impact abuse can have on children their age. Some of the participants also shared personal experiences online, with four youth leaders revealing that they themselves had received messages from strangers, making the discussion more relatable and urgent.
They later reflected on their learnings, and many shared that regardless of whether a child appears to give consent or not—OSAEC is OSAEC. They also expressed how profoundly they now understand the importance of online safety. Apart from their reflections, there is one more thing that stood out to us: their growing sense of responsibility towards younger family and community members. Some shared that they now want to be more intentional in checking on their siblings and asking thoughtful questions to understand how they are doing. As youth leaders, they recognized that their learnings are not only for their own safety, but also for guiding their peers and other younger children.
We ended the program by assuring them that they are not alone in navigating these challenges. Should something alarm them, we are at their disposal for help or support.
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