With about 42 million Filipino children without full legal protection from all forms of violence, a humanitarian organization for children called on lawmakers to pass the Senate Bill 2036 or “The Positive Parenting of Children's Act.” (Photo courtesy of Save the Children Philippines)

“We join the clamour of children for protection from punishment that hurt, humiliate, and denigrate them,” said Save the Children Philippines Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Alberto Muyot in a statement. Physical and humiliating punishment of children often happens at the hands of parents, teachers, and caregivers, Save the Children said. Every year, Save the Children noted that “thousands of children die as a result of violence at home, at school and other settings, and many more are seriously injured.” Save the Children explained that many forms of violence against children would be considered “torture” if they were carried out on adults. These can include “smacking, but can also involve kicking, shaking, burning, and forcing children to stay in uncomfortable positions” as well as “humiliating treatment which belittles the child.” Save the Children said that only one in seven children globally are protected by laws against physical and humiliating punishment which is the “most common form of violence against children.” In the Philippines, the group noted that millions of Filipino children “do not have full legal protection from all forms of violence specifically in places where they should be safe such as the homes.” Given this, Save the Children Philippines joined 134 countries that are bereft of legislation to curb physical and humiliating punishment against children. Save the Children said the country has yet to pass a policy on the protection of children against physical and humiliating punishment, as an agreed target among member-nations to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals of 2015. The SB 2036, authored by Hon. Risa Hontiveros in the Senate, aspires to assist Filipino parents in adopting parenting methods that align with healthy child development and effective parenting. “The method will ensure the rights of children are respected, especially their right to a life free from all forms of violence, including physical, humiliating, and degrading forms of punishment,” the group said.