BUTUAN CITY (February 9) — As Safer Internet Day (SID) is observed on February 10, social workers in Agusan del Sur are urging parents to stop creating social media accounts for minors, warning that children are increasingly vulnerable to Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM).
The call comes from the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), which said that while digital platforms offer convenience, they also expose children to serious risks—often without parents realizing it.
“Children are the most vulnerable in the virtual environment,” said Glory Joyce Almine, a PSWDO social worker. “They are being exposed long before they can understand the dangers.”
Even babies are at risk
Almine said children as young as three years old can already navigate gadgets, while some infants already have social media accounts created by parents for posting photos and videos.
With the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), these images can be downloaded and manipulated by predators, sometimes turning innocent photos into sexually explicit content.
“Next to illegal drugs, pornography has become one of the most lucrative black-market industries,” Almine said. “That is why we must protect our children at all costs.”
Sextortion: the hidden danger
Social workers also flagged sextortion—a form of online exploitation where perpetrators threaten to release sexual content unless victims comply with demands, often involving money or sexual favors.
Recey L. Casugudan, another PSWDO social worker, stressed the importance of daily communication at home.
“When children feel safe talking to their parents, they are more likely to report suspicious or uncomfortable online experiences,” she said.
WHAT PARENTS SHOULD DO
✔ Do not create social media accounts for minors, especially infants and toddlers ✔ Limit sharing of children’s photos and videos online; avoid public posts ✔ Blur children’s faces or remove identifying details when posting ✔ Set privacy controls on all family social media accounts ✔ Monitor gadget use and online activity, especially for young children ✔ Talk to your children daily about what they see and experience online ✔ Teach children to report suspicious messages, strangers, or threats immediately ✔ Seek help early—report suspected OSAEC or CSAEM cases to authorities or social workers
Protection starts at home
The PSWDO emphasized that protecting children from OSAEC and CSAEM is a shared responsibility, but one that begins with parents and guardians.
By practicing online vigilance, strengthening family communication, and being mindful of a child’s digital footprint, families can help ensure that children grow up safe, respected, and free from online exploitation.
