As the country commemorates the National Awareness Week for the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation, the Department of Education (DepEd) underscored the urgent need to protect learners from all possible forms of abuse.

“Atin pang mas paigtingin ang pangangalaga sa kapakanan at seguridad ng mga mag-aaral sa paaralan (Let's take better care for the welfare and security of students at school),” DepEd said in a Facebook post.

This year, the National Awareness Week for the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation is observed from Feb. 7 to 13.

As part of its efforts to protect children from all forms of abuse, DepEd set up the Learners Telesafe Contact Center Helpline which exclusively addresses learner concerns --- particularly in matters of abuse.

“Handa ang Learners Telesafe Contact Center Helpline na tumugon at tumulong sa inyo (The Learners Telesafe Contact Center Helpline is ready to respond and assist you),” DepEd said.

Those who wish to report abuse and other related concerns may contact DepEd through [email protected]; https://facebook.com/deped.lrpo/; and through hotline numbers: (02) 8632-1372 and 0945-175-9777.

Aside from reporting possible cases of abuse, DepEd also urged stakeholders to help protect children when they are online by sharing some tips on how to be safe when using the internet.

“Malaking bahagi ng oras ng mga mag-aaral ang kanilang iginugugol sa pagba-browse sa internet (Students spend a large part of their time browsing the internet),” DepEd said in a separate post.

This National Awareness Week for the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation, DepEd said that it is also important to remind students of the dos and don'ts online.