Consultations on violence against children slated

For the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC), hurting a child to impose discipline is a form of abuse.

"Any harm, any form of injury — physical, psychological or emotional — inflicted on the child is considered an abuse. Even scolding is a form of abuse," said CWC executive director Lina Laygo, a former secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Laygo said parents should always employ diplomatic ways in disciplining their children or their intention would be defeated.

She said that instead of penalizing a child who commits a mistake, parents should discuss with him the reasons and the consequences of his wrongdoing.

"We have to teach parents how to be better parents, how to talk to their children and how to deal with (them) in a more constructive way. There is a lot of re-orientation that needs to be done with parents," she said.

At present, the CWC is spearheading a series of consultations with various organizations around the country to promote the protection of children’s rights.

More meetings are scheduled on Oct. 19-21 in Cagayan de Oro City for the Northern and Western Mindanao cluster, and on Oct. 26-28 in Lucena City for Bicol. There will also be a meeting in Cebu City for the Western and Central Visayas.

The activities will culminate on Nov. 4-6 with the National Children’s Congress on Violence in Baguio City.

"Violence against children take different forms such as physical or sexual abuse, deprivation, prostitution, trafficking, involvement in armed conflict, and displacement due to disasters," she said.

"That’s why we need responsive implementors, committed leadership and a strong political will to combat violence against children," Laygo said.