Do you agree that there are millions of children, not only in the Philippines, who are not fully protected?
Children should be protected at all times whether they be at home, school or community. They are open to harm and injury because they are young, innocent and inexperienced. That is why parents, relatives, and school teachers must ensure the kids’ safety and shield them from abuse and negligence.
Nowadays, some parents are too busy with their careers or personal activities that they tend to forget to check on their kids’ activities and attend to their concerns. So, here are some important things to know on how to safeguard your children’s welfare:
1. Protect them from online dangers - Just recently, it was reported on the news about the death of an 11-year old boy who did the “Momo Challenge”.
PNP chief Director General Oscar Albayalde issued the warning amid reports of a so-called "Momo Challenge" spreading online. The game played on messaging app WhatsApp, Facebook, and YouTube allegedly encourages children and teenagers to do specific tasks, with challenges starting small like waking up in the middle of the night. It then progresses to more dangerous and violent challenges, such as self-harm and suicide.
Parents and guardians should always be mindful of what the children are watching online. Limiting their internet usage also helps. Constantly remind them not to entertain strangers or accept friend requests from people they do not know. Let them understand that there are lots of pretentious people online and they should never give out their personal information.
2. Protect them from their surroundings - Kidnappers are everywhere and their target are mostly children.
Children are commonly trafficked for exploitation in the sex trade - an estimated 60,000 to 100,000 children in the Philippines are involved in prostitution rings.
Be extra vigilant when going out and follow these simple reminders:
Keep your eyes on your children
Hold them tightly
Accompany them in the toilet
Make sure that the kids are inside the school premises before you, the guardian or the service conductor leaves.
Instruct the guardian not to talk to strangers
3. Protect them from poverty and future instability - As parents, you have to be responsible for providing for your child’s basic needs such as food, shelter, clothing, and education.
Every child has the right to education. Introduce financial education to your children as early as possible. The goal of saving money is to train them to be responsible, debt-free and financially ready when an emergency arises. There are different ways on how to start saving money like having a piggy bank or opening a bank account.
To help you secure funds for your child’s college education, Paramount Direct has designed a product for parents or guardians from 20 to 55 years old with dependent children from 1 month to 10 years old. Dream College Plan provides wide coverage with one affordable premium.
No matter how busy a parent you are, your kids’ safety should always be your top priority. Do whatever you can to keep them secured and away from any danger.