Breaking the Cycle, Building a Safer Future: Protecting the Children

This National Children's Month 2024 with its  theme "Break the Prevalence, End the Violence: Protecting Children, Creating a Safe Philippines". It reminds us that there is an urgent need for national attention toward the well-being and safety of our children. According to its theme, violence against children is so prevalent that we share responsibility in breaking it. This year's celebration calls for long lasting efforts.

It seeks a commitment to prevention as the best way of ending violence: preventing it before it happens and ensuring that those future offenders who do end up committing acts of violence will brought to justice. This will call for help and build a culture of awareness, education, and sensitivity within our communities, equipping children to know and report abuse, teaching parents and caregivers knowledge and skills in the nurture of healthy relationships, and ensuring safety through spaces where children feel protected. Another significant pillar is protection. We must better those laws and policies already in place to ensure swift and effective justice for victims so well-rounded support services can help the child heal and rebuild his life-in the immediate, mental healthcare legal aid and social support systems, with a lasting consequence of abuse.

Beyond those individual striving, a safe Philippines will call for a great effort from individuals. Governments and organizations, together with individuals, must combat the problem at the high level to eliminate violence at its root-causes, such as poverty, inequality, limited access to education and healthcare. Social programs that strengthen families and communities and build positive parenting practices and give a culture of respect, among others. National Children's Month is a celebration and a call to action in 2024. It's breaking the cycle of violence, protecting children and above all, giving a safer country for all Filipinos. Together, we could bring up every child to grow, to thrive and reach their dream and their full potential.

Reference:

https://www.twinkl.com.ph/event/national-childrens-month-2024