Child Rights Network Denounces Misinformation Surrounding Complete Sexuality Education
On January 18, 2025, the Child Rights Network (CRN), an alliance of organizations advocating for children’s rights, publicly condemned the “fake news adn fearmongering” surrounding Comprehensive Sexuality education (CSE) and the Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Bill. The group emphasized its commitment to rigorous research and inclusive consultations, ensuring that the CSE component is “age- and development-appropriate, medically accurate, and culturally sensitive.”
The CRN’s statement came in response to opposition from the National Coalition for the family and the Constitution (NCFC), which launched “Project Dalisay” to challenge the implementation of CSE and the Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancy Act of 2023 (Senate Bill 1979). In a petition addressed to the Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary and the Senate, the NCFC argued for sex education that aligns with the Philippines’ cultural, religious, and constitutional foundations.
However, the CRN accused Project Dalisay of misrepresenting the bill’s content. “They presented thes interpretations as if they were truly the content of the bill,” the CRN stated. “These are clear misrepresentations, fake news, and fearmongering.” The group clarified that the legislative process for SB 1979 was inclusive, with no stakeholders excluded.
The CRN underscored that the CSE outlined in SB 1979 is designed to protect children from sexual abuse and early pregnancies. “It involves both parents and educators,” the CRN explained. “Rather than teaching inappropriate lessons, it focuses on teaching young children about good touch, bad touch, and healthy boundaries.”
the alliance also addressed concerns about international influence,stating that while the CSE would be “guided” by DepEd and international standards,it would not blindly adopt them. “Guided does not mean we will adopt,” the CRN clarified. “The implementing rules and regulations will be subjected to comprehensive consultations with all relevant stakeholders.”
The CRN further questioned the relevance of international standards to the Philippines’ cultural context. “If the said international standards do not align with the context or culture of the Philippines, why should we use them in our CSE?”
As a party to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Philippines has an obligation to protect children’s rights, the CRN reminded. “We have an obligation to ensure their right to correct and accurate information that will help protect them against abuse, exploitation, and early pregnancy.”
| Key Points | Details |
|—————-|————-|
| CRN’s Stance | denounces misinformation and emphasizes age-appropriate, culturally sensitive CSE. |
| Opposition | NCFC’s Project Dalisay challenges CSE and SB 1979. |
| CSE Goals | Protects children from abuse and early pregnancies through education on healthy boundaries. |
| International Standards | CSE guided by DepEd and international standards,but tailored to local context. |
| Legislative Process | Inclusive consultations with all stakeholders. |
The CRN urged the public to focus on the facts and reject fearmongering. “This is an important and urgent piece of legislation,” the group emphasized. “It is designed to safeguard our children’s future.”
For more information on the global standards of Comprehensive Sexuality Education, visit the UNESCO toolkit.What are your thoughts on the role of CSE in protecting children’s rights? Share your views in the comments below.The alarming rise in teen pregnancies in the Philippines has sparked urgent calls for the implementation of Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE). According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), 3,343 children were born to girls aged 10 to 14 in 2023 alone. This staggering figure underscores a deeply rooted issue that demands immediate attention.
The Child Rights Network (CRN), citing PSA data, revealed that “most births delivered by teen mothers are fathered by men significantly older than them,” pointing to “disturbing power imbalances that often lead to abuse.” This troubling dynamic highlights the vulnerability of young girls in the Philippines, who are frequently enough subjected to exploitation and coercion.
The consequences of teen pregnancy extend far beyond the immediate health risks. In 2022, 162 girls aged 10 to 19 died from pregnancy or childbirth complications. Additionally, teen pregnancy accounts for nearly 60 percent of school dropouts among young girls, “severely limiting their potential and costing the country billions in lost opportunities.”
A study by the University of the Philippines Population Institute further emphasizes the lack of access to accurate information. it found that 44 percent of young Filipino females and 39 percent of young Filipino males “lack material resources about sex,” frequently enough turning to unreliable sources like social media. This gap in knowledge perpetuates myths and misinformation, leaving young people ill-equipped to make informed decisions about their sexual health.
In response to these challenges, CRN has been advocating for the passage of critical legislation, including the Raising the Age to Determine Statutory Rape Act, the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children Act, and the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act. These laws aim to protect Filipino children from abuse and exploitation, but CRN stresses that more needs to be done.
“Let’s not wait until it’s too late to protect more Filipino children from abuse and early pregnancies,” CRN urged. The organization, convened by the Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Development, is pushing for the swift implementation of Comprehensive Sexuality Education to address these issues at their root.
To better understand the scope of the problem, here’s a summary of key data:
| Key Statistics | Figures |
|—————————————–|———————————|
| Children born to girls aged 10-14 (2023)| 3,343 |
| Maternal deaths among teens (2022) | 162 |
| School dropouts due to teen pregnancy | 60% |
| Young females lacking sex education | 44% |
| Young males lacking sex education | 39% |
The need for Comprehensive sexuality Education is clear. By equipping young people with accurate information and empowering them to make informed choices, the Philippines can address the root causes of teen pregnancy and protect its youth from exploitation. for more insights into the Department of Education’s CSE program, explore this related story.
The time to act is now. Let’s ensure that every Filipino child has the knowledge and resources they need to thrive.
Headline: Addressing Teen Pregnancy and child Exploitation in the Philippines: A Conversation with Dr.Maria Santos on Comprehensive Sexuality Education
Introductory Paragraph:
The Philippines is grappling with a growing crisis of teen pregnancies and child exploitation, with alarming statistics revealing the urgent need for intervention. In 2023 alone, 3,343 children were born to girls aged 10-14, highlighting a pressing issue that demands immediate action. To address this, the Child Rights Network (CRN) has been advocating for the swift implementation of Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE), a program designed to equip young people with accurate information and empower them to make informed decisions. In this exclusive interview, World Today News sits down with Dr. Maria Santos, a renowned child rights advocate and expert on adolescent health, to discuss the importance of CSE, the challenges it faces, and its potential to protect Filipino youth.
The Rising Crisis of Teen Pregnancies in the Philippines
Table of Contents
Senior Editor: Dr. Santos, thank you for joining us. The statistics on teen pregnancies in the Philippines are deeply concerning. Could you shed light on the key factors driving this crisis?
Dr. Maria Santos: Thank you for having me. The issue of teen pregnancies is multifaceted. Poverty, lack of access to education, and cultural stigmas around sexuality all play meaningful roles. Many young girls, especially in rural areas, are not provided with the tools to protect themselves or understand their rights. Additionally, there’s a disturbing trend of older men preying on young girls, leading to exploitative relationships and early pregnancies.
Senior Editor: How does the lack of sex education exacerbate this problem?
Dr. Maria Santos: Without proper education, young people are left vulnerable to misinformation and risky behaviors. Our data shows that 44% of young females and 39% of young males lack access to accurate sex education. This knowledge gap leaves them unaware of their bodies, their rights, and the consequences of early sexual activity.
The Role of Comprehensive Sexuality education (CSE)
Senior Editor: The Child Rights Network has been a strong advocate for CSE. Can you explain what CSE entails and how it differs from customary sex education?
Dr.Maria Santos: Certainly. Comprehensive Sexuality Education goes beyond the biological aspects of sex. It covers topics like healthy relationships, consent, bodily autonomy, and gender equality. It’s designed to be age-appropriate, culturally sensitive, and medically accurate. The goal is to empower young people to make informed choices and protect themselves from abuse and exploitation.
Senior Editor: There’s been opposition to CSE, with groups like the National Coalition for the Family and the Constitution (NCFC) arguing that it doesn’t align with Filipino values. How do you respond to these concerns?
Dr. Maria Santos: I think it’s important to clarify that CSE is not about imposing foreign ideals.It’s about providing our youth with the tools they need to navigate their lives safely and responsibly.The program is tailored to the Filipino context,with input from parents,educators,and community leaders. Misinformation and fearmongering only undermine these efforts and put our children at greater risk.
Addressing Misinformation and Opposition
Senior Editor: The CRN has accused groups like the NCFC of spreading “fake news and fearmongering” about CSE. how can we combat this misinformation?
Dr. Maria Santos: education and awareness are key. We need to engage with the public, parents, and policymakers to explain what CSE truly involves. It’s not about teaching inappropriate content; it’s about teaching children about good touch, bad touch, and healthy boundaries. Providing clear, factual information can help dispel myths and build support for this crucial initiative.
Senior Editor: What role do international standards play in shaping CSE in the Philippines?
Dr. Maria Santos: While we draw on international best practices, the program is adapted to fit our cultural and social context. The Department of Education (DepEd) leads these efforts, ensuring that the curriculum reflects Filipino values while addressing the needs of our youth.
The Path Forward: Protecting Filipino Youth
Senior Editor: What steps do you believe are necesary to address the teen pregnancy crisis and protect Filipino children?
Dr. Maria Santos: First, we need to prioritize the implementation of CSE in schools and communities. Second, we must strengthen child protection laws, such as the Anti-Sexual Abuse Act and the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act.we need to involve all stakeholders—parents, educators, and policymakers—in these efforts. This is a collective responsibility,and we must act now to safeguard our children’s future.
Senior Editor: thank you, Dr. Santos,for your insightful outlook. it’s clear that Comprehensive Sexuality Education is a vital tool in addressing these challenges and protecting Filipino youth.
Dr.Maria Santos: Thank you for raising awareness on this critical issue. Together, we can create a safer and healthier future for our children.
Closing Paragraph:
The fight against teen pregnancy and child exploitation in the Philippines requires immediate action and collaboration. As Dr. Maria Santos emphasized, Comprehensive Sexuality Education is a crucial step in equipping young people with the knowledge and tools they need to make informed decisions. For more insights on this topic,explore our related story on DepEd’s CSE program. Let’s work together to ensure a brighter future for Filipino children.
