Extent of Implementation of the Child Protection Policy in Tabaco City

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Child abuse constitutes a violation of the most basic rights of children and adolescents enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. All persons under the age of 18 have the right to physical and psychological integrity and to protection from all forms of violence. Article 19 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), adopted by the United Nations in 1989, exhorts State parties to take "all appropriate legislative, administrative, social, and educational measures to protect the child from all forms of physical or mental violence, injury or abuse, neglect or negligent treatment, maltreatment or exploitation, including sexual abuse, while in the care of parent(s), legal guardian(s) or any other person who has the care of the child.” Similarly, the UN International Committee on the Rights of the Child has emphasized the importance of member countries prohibiting all forms of physical punishment and degrading treatment of children (Convention on the Rights of the Child, 2006). Based from the reports submitted by the school heads, there are reported cases on the following: bullying, smoking, child labor, teenage pregnancy, and premarital sex. Researchers want to find out whether the schools are implementing the Child Protection Policy as mandated by the Department of Education. This study is one of the topics suggested inDepartment of Education Order No. 39, s. 2016.

METHODS

The descriptive-correlational method adopting the survey type design was used in this study. Survey has assisted in preparing existing conditions with predetermined criteria or in the evaluation of the effectiveness of memoranda, circular, or laws.

RESULTS

The common offenses committed concerning child protection ranked accordingly were as follows: economic exploitation, bullying, physical violence, cyber-bullying, psychological violence, sexual violence, and sexual exploitation. On the significant difference of the level of implementation of the Child Protection Policy in Tabaco City Division, findings show that there was no significant difference on the level of implementation of the child protection policy made by the schools and school personnel.

DISCUSSIONS

The researchers recommend an intervention plan in the form of training. Training and development makes the employee feel satisfied with the role they play in the organization. The moment they gain the necessary skills, employees will become more confident, self-reliant, and require only little guidance as they perform their tasks.