One of the current issues concerning education today is the awareness of every educators in child protection policy.A policy that safeguards children in any form of abuse.
The goal of the policy is to implement a zero tolerance for any act of child abuse, exploitation, violence, discrimination, bullying and other forms of abuse. The welfare of the child is important, that every child, regardless of age, disability, gender, racial or ethnic origin, religious belief and sexual identity, has the right to be protected from abuse and harm at all times and in all situation.
Schools play an important part in the child protection process and must uphold their duty of care by working alongside the other professionals in promoting and safeguarding the welfare of all children. Teachers spend many hours each day with their students and are in good position to recognize and respond to any cause for concern that may present itself. This concern extends to the possible sexual, physical, psychological and emotional abuse of the child.
To ensure that this policy is well implemented, awareness, prevention, reporting and responding should be practiced. All staffs should be aware of child abuse and other risks for children. To be aware means to prevent the risks to children. Reporting the incident whenever concerns arise is a step on child protection. And finally, to respond is to take actions to support and protect the children when the risk arises.
Now that it has become a trend in the educational system, everyone in the field should be then familiar in the policy that safeguard child’s welfare – Child Protection Policy.
By: Edelisa D.Malang | Teacher II | Bonifacio Camacho National High School | Abucay, Bataan
