Child online safety in the Philippines: the risks, the laws and where to get help
What Filipino children face online, which Philippine laws protect them, and which agencies to contact when something goes wrong.
- The biggest risks for Filipino children online are grooming and sexual exploitation, cyberbullying, scams and too much screen time.
- Several Philippine laws protect children online, including RA 11930 (anti-OSAEC), RA 10627 (Anti-Bullying Act) and RA 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act).
- Report crimes to the CICC (1326), the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group or the NBI. In an emergency, call 911.
Filipino children are among the most connected in the world. Many get their first phone in elementary school, and many households share devices among siblings, cousins and lolos and lolas. Being online brings real benefits: learning, friendships, creativity and staying close to family working abroad. It also brings risks that parents need to know about.
The main risks
Online sexual abuse and exploitation
The Philippines has been identified by international organizations and the Philippine government as one of the countries most affected by online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC). This includes adults grooming children online, pressuring them for sexual images, and, in the worst cases, abuse that's livestreamed for paying offenders, sometimes arranged by people the child knows. Read OSAEC in the Philippines and online grooming warning signs.
Sextortion
Criminals, often posing as a teenager, persuade a child to send an intimate photo, then threaten to share it unless the child pays or sends more. Teenage boys are increasingly targeted. See sextortion: what to do.
Cyberbullying
Harassment in group chats, fake accounts, embarrassing edits and pile-ons in comment sections. See our cyberbullying guide.
Scams and money
Fake "free diamonds" and "free Robux" sites, phishing messages that look like GCash or Maya, fake online jobs, and teenagers recruited to lend or sell their e-wallet accounts. See scams that target kids.
Harmful content
Pornography, violence, self-harm content, dangerous challenges and online gambling advertising. See your child saw pornography and online gambling and teens.
Too much screen time
Lost sleep, less physical activity and less time with family. See how much screen time is right.
The laws that protect children online
| Law | What it covers |
|---|---|
| RA 11930, Anti-OSAEC and Anti-CSAEM Act (2022) | Online sexual abuse and exploitation of children and child sexual abuse material; requires internet companies and platforms to block, remove and report it |
| RA 9775, Anti-Child Pornography Act (2009) | Earlier law on child sexual abuse material, now strengthened by RA 11930 |
| RA 10627, Anti-Bullying Act (2013) | Bullying in schools, including cyberbullying; requires schools to have anti-bullying policies |
| RA 10175, Cybercrime Prevention Act (2012) | Crimes committed through computers and the internet, including cybersex offences, identity theft and online libel |
| RA 11313, Safe Spaces Act (2019) | Gender-based sexual harassment, including online |
| RA 9995, Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act (2009) | Taking or sharing intimate images without consent |
| RA 10173, Data Privacy Act (2012) | How organizations collect and use personal information, including children's |
| RA 7610 (1992) | Special protection of children against abuse, exploitation and discrimination |
For more detail, see Philippine laws that protect children online.
Where to get help
- 911: a child is in immediate danger
- 1326: CICC Inter-Agency Response Center, for cybercrime including online child abuse
- 163: Bantay Bata, for child abuse concerns and counselling
- PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group and PNP Women and Children Protection Center: to report a crime and file a complaint
- NBI Cybercrime Division: to file a complaint
- Your barangay: the Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC) and the VAW desk can help and refer
- 1553: National Center for Mental Health crisis hotline, if your child is in emotional distress
Hotlines change from time to time; check the agency's official website or Facebook page if a number doesn't connect.
What parents can do today
- Read how to protect kids online: 12 steps.
- Make sure your child knows they can tell you anything without automatically losing their phone.
- Check the privacy settings on the apps your child uses most.
- Save the hotlines above in your phone.
eGuard sets up screen time, bedtime and app rules on your child's phone and checks that each one is really on. Free for one child.