(UNSPLASH / MANILA BULLETIN)
Plan International Philippines made the call on Friday, Feb. 26, as the month-long global celebration of this year’s Safer Internet Day draws to a close this February.
“As a crime thriving in the shadows, the online sexual abuse and exploitation of children becomes a secret pandemic that demands equal attention and treatment,” said Ana Maria Locsin, Plan International Philippines’ country director, in a statement.
“With the world embracing a new normal, there should be strengthened mandates, tools, and safeguards that ensure the protection of children from abusers, predators, and criminals lurking online,” she added.
On Safer Internet Day last Feb. 9, Plan International Philippines partnered with Twitter Asia Pacific to host a live Twitter conversation around keeping children safe on the internet.