Manila: The Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) announced its collaboration with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to develop regulatory guidelines aimed at safeguarding minors involved in vlogging and social media influencing. This initiative seeks to curb digital exploitation and labor abuse among child content creators.

According to Philippines News Agency, Executive Director Undersecretary Angelo Tapales highlighted that, while traditional child performers are regulated under DOLE's Working Child Permit, the realm of online content creation remains largely unregulated. Tapales expressed concerns during a Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon interview, citing the lack of existing DOLE regulations that address the unique challenges of vlogging and social media content creation.

Tapales emphasized the need for immediate regulatory measures to prevent potential exploitation, noting the risks associated with children spending excessive time on vlogging at the expense of their education and normal development. He plans to bring these issues to the attention of Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino to expedite the formulation of appropriate regulations.

In a separate statement, Tapales urged parents, guardians, and content creators to prioritize the welfare and dignity of children in online settings. The CWC also raised alarms over the increasing incidents of bullying, both online and offline, faced by children seeking online engagement.

To combat these challenges, Tapales stressed the necessity of following the Guide for Media Practitioners on Reporting and Coverage of Children, which the CWC has published. This guide advocates for protecting children's privacy, respecting their autonomy, ensuring dignified treatment, and managing stories with sensitivity. The CWC called for collective responsibility in creating safe digital environments that protect children from exploitation, abuse, and harassment.