MANILA, 15 April 2025 – A U-Report poll launched during Safer Internet Month highlighting the growing concerns of over 1,200 children in the Philippines has revealed troubling experiences with unsafe online behavior and content, and their strong desire to change the situation.
The poll’s results were shared recently with the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) and the National Coordination Center Against Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children and Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Materials to inform strategies and policies aimed at creating a safer digital space for children in the Philippines.
Responding to the poll, the National Coordination Center acting Executive Director Dr. Barbara Mae Pagdilao-Flores emphasized how youth participation strengthens the agency’s efforts against this scrouge. “Because you spoke up, mas magiging effective at comprehensive ang ginagawa naming mga hakbang na nakapaloob sa Multi-Year Strategic Plan to address OSAEC and CSAEM,” (Because you spoke up, the measures we’re taking as part of the Multi-Year Strategic Plan to address [the issues] will be more effective and comprehensive) she said, assuring the youth that their voices have been heard.
Unsafe online experiences: a daily reality
The findings were clear: children and youth in the Philippines are regularly exposed to content or behavior online that makes them feel unsafe. In fact, 85.56 per cent of respondents reported encountering such issues, with 57.26 per cent saying it happens multiple times. From inappropriate content to online abuse, the challenges are real, and for many, it's a constant battle.
Most U-Reporters take action when they experience online abuse, with 55.97 per cent blocking or reporting offenders within the platform. However, just a small percentage—2.99 per cent—said they report these incidents to the authorities or hotlines. Meanwhile, 19.37 per cent chose to deal with it privately and keep their experiences to themselves.
Even with the abundance of online harassment and exploitation, many young people still don’t know where to turn when they need assistance.
A lack of awareness about available services
A major issue identified in the U-Report poll was a lack of awareness about available helplines. When asked about the MAKABATA Helpline 1383, only 13.52 per cent of respondents said they were familiar with it and its services. The CWC MAKABATA Helpline 1383 provides immediate assistance for children facing online abuse or exploitation.
UNICEF is hopeful that President Marcos's recent issuance of Executive Order 79 will increase the Helpline’s recognition and usage, as the EO has designated it as the official system for reporting child rights violations.
“We are committed to helping build a safer internet for all while ensuring that children and youth's voices are heard and included in shaping digital safety initiatives. said Patricia Lim Ah Ken, UNICEF Child Protection Chief. “The results of this U-Report poll will guide our future efforts in addressing online safety issues and ensuring that every young person has the tools and knowledge to protect themselves in the digital world.”
Despite the challenges, 73.04 per cent of respondents expressed their willingness to seek help if they encountered online abuse. This shows that while awareness of reporting mechanisms is low, the desire to act is strong among youth in the Philippines.
Creating a Safer Internet for Children and Youth in the Philippines
As the conversation around online safety continues, it’s clear that children and youth in the Philippines could be powerful advocates for change. The next step is to support them and walk alongside them as we work towards a safer internet for all.
The wider efforts to increase the online safety of children in the Philippines had advanced through SaferKidsPH, an Australian Government initiative delivered through the pioneering consortium of Save the Children Philippines, the Asia Foundation and UNICEF.
Access the full report here: https://philippines.ureport.in/story/2162/
Watch: NCC-OSAEC-CSAEM OIC Executive Director thanks U-Reporters for speaking out on their online safety | https://youtube.com/shorts/-cCEcjoHw5o?feature=share
