Factors Affecting the Prevalence of Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children in Camarines Sur, Bicol Region, Philippines

Authors

  • Ma. Vida Teresa Sales Bicol University, Philippines
  • Angelo Uclaray Bicol University, Philippines
  • Russ Daniel Baldoza Bicol University, Philippines
  • Joselynn Niñofranco Bicol University, Philippines
  • Cherry Dycoco Bicol University, Philippines
  • Tania Añonuevo Bicol University, Philippines
  • Myrna Pereyra Bicol University, Philippines

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.58671/aswj.v11i02.37

Keywords:

Online sexual abuse of children, family factors, community factors, community perspectives, child protection

Abstract

The culture within the family and community generally affects people's attitudes and acceptance towards using available technology. Alternately, technology can also influence the culture and social behaviors of people. This study aimed to discuss the family and community factors and their unintentional contribution to the prevalence of Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and explore the community's perspectives of OSAEC. Utilizing a qualitative approach, it employed focus group discussions and interviews to obtain relevant data and insights from the participants. Based on thematic analysis, family factors include (1) unsupervised access to the internet and gadgets, (2) children disregarding their parents' reminders on gadget usage, and (3) parents' lack of knowledge on the use of phones and the internet. In terms of community factors, (1) poor socioeconomic conditions, (2) limited community initiatives to capacitate parents on online media risks and OSAEC, and (3) limited knowledge of emerging child protection issues may have contributed to OSAEC cases. Furthermore, the study found that community members view OSAEC as a cybercrime involving showing and sending obscene pictures, texts, or videos without physical contact. Given the findings, establishing appropriate mechanisms for responsible online use and online behavior is vital to ensure proactiveness in protecting children against abuse and exploitation at family and community levels

Author Biographies

Ma. Vida Teresa Sales, Bicol University, Philippines

An Associate Professor from the Social Work Department, Bicol University College of Social Sciences and Philosophy, with a master’s degree in social work and a doctorate degree in social development. Her published research is entitled "Core Competencies and Work Performance of Bicol University College of Arts and Sciences Graduates: Basis for Curriculum Re-engineering". Other research involvements include being a study leader in a research about the sustainability of the ESGP-PA in Bicol Region and project staff of the research that evaluated the KALAHI-CIDSS NCDDP in the Bicol Region that looked into the determinants of timely completion of the sub-projects and the motivation of the community volunteers to run for public office. The latter was proclaimed Best Paper for Social Development Category during the 2020 RDE Exemplar Awards of Bicol University. Both researches were DSWD-funded. During the pandemic, she was part of a research that conducted a study about the Perceptions, Experiences, and Needs of Social Work Students on Migrating Classes to Distance Mode during the Pandemic. Her recent research is titled Development and Validation of the Intervention Program on Mental Health and Resilience for BUPC Pre-Service Teachers and Faculty.

Angelo Uclaray, Bicol University, Philippines

Is a social worker and a faculty member of the Social Work Department, Bicol University College of Social Sciences and Philosophy. Previously, he served as a project staff in the DSWD-funded research project on KALAHI CIDSS- National Community Driven Development Program (KC-NCDDP), particularly on identifying the factors affecting timely completion of the sub-projects in Bicol and the factors influencing the community volunteers to seek elective position in the local government. Among his research interests include social work education, field instruction, mental health, and social work experiences in various fields or settings. His recent publications include, (author) “Stress and Wellbeing of Social Work Students in Field Instruction” published in the Journal of Teaching in Social Work, (co-author) “Social Workers’ Roles, Challenges, and Lessons Learned During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Albay, Bicol” published in the Philippine Journal of Social Development, and (co-author) “Social Work Students’ Challenges in Flexible Learning and Implications for Social Work Education: A Study in Bicol, Philippines” published in the ASEAN Social Work Journal. 

Russ Daniel Baldoza, Bicol University, Philippines

Earned his bachelor's degree in Social Work at Bicol University College of Social Sciences and Philosophy in April 2013 and passed the Social Work Licensure Examination during the same year. After passing the licensure examination, he was employed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development – Field Office V as Project Development Officer II of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. At present, he is a member of the Philippine Association of Social Workers, Inc. – Albay Legazpi Chapter and of the National Association for Social Work Education, Inc. He earned his Master of Science in Social Work degree on March 2019 at the Universidad de Sta. Isabel in Naga City. His master's thesis focused on the "Level of Effectiveness of the Convergence Strategy of the Department of Social Welfare and Development in the Province of Camarines Sur." Subsequently, he was also appointed as Project Staff of the DSWD-funded research project on the KALAHI CIDSS – National Community Driven Development Program (KC NCDDP) under the study focused on identifying the factors affecting timely completion of sub-projects in Region 5 and the factors influencing the community volunteers to seek elective position in the local government.

Joselynn Niñofranco, Bicol University, Philippines

Is an Associate Professor at Bicol University College of Social Sciences and Philosophy with background designations as National Service Training Coordinator, Social Work Department Chairperson, Associate Dean, and College Gender and Development Coordinator. Aside from her membership with the National Association for Social Work Education, Inc. and the Philippine Association of Social Workers, Inc., she is also an alumni of the Group Study Exchange Program (2009-UK) of the Rotary International Foundation and is currently the Board of Trustees Corporate Secretary of Simon of Cyrene Community Rehabilitation and Development Foundation, Inc. and Advisory Council member of the 502nd Maneuver Company Regional Mobile Force Battalion of the Philippine National Police Region 5. She earned her Master of Science in Social Work degree at the Universidad de Santa Isabel, Naga City in 2011 where her master's thesis was on the Job-Oriented Interpersonal Communication Skills of Social Work Practitioners in the Province of Albay. Her recent involvement in research was as a Study Leader on a Tracer Study of AB Philosophy, AB Sociology and BS Social Work 2015 to 2017 graduates on the Extent of Contribution of their respective enrolled curriculum to the development of their competencies.

Cherry Dycoco, Bicol University, Philippines

An Associate Professor of Social Work Department at Bicol University College of Social Sciences and Philosophy. She is both a Registered Social Worker (RSW) and a Professional Teacher. She earned her Master of Science in Social Work in 2000 at Universidad de Sta. Isabel, Naga City. She had been the Social Worker in charge of all court related cases – children, women and youth while handling other administrative functions and designation at MSWDO Daraga from 1997 to 2010. The following are the unpublished researches of Prof. Dycoco: Graduate Thesis – "Social Services Programs for Guest Relation Officers in Daraga, Albay: Implication to the rehabilitation of women in especially difficult circumstances" (2000), "Glossary of Terms for Abused Children" (2001), Child Sexual Abuse Awareness Program, (2013). Gender Aggregated Intervention Program for Imprisoned Men, Women, Lesbians and Gays (2016). Expanded Students Grant-in-Aid Program for Poverty Alleviation (2017). LGUs Readiness to Institutionalize CDD: An Assessment (2019). Currently, she is an active member of the Asian and Pacific Association for Social Work Education, National Association of Social Workers, Inc. and Philippine Association of Social Workers Incorporated – Albay Chapter

Tania Añonuevo, Bicol University, Philippines

An Assistant Professor and the designated College Student Activities and Services Coordinator at Bicol University College of Social Sciences and Philosophy. Currently, she is a member of the Philippine Association of Social Workers, Inc., the National Association for Social Work Education, Inc. and the Philippine Mental Health Association. She is also an incumbent officer of the JICA Alumni Association of the Philippines (JAAP) having undergone formal training in Participatory Local Social Development Framework for the Knowledge Co-Creation Program (Group and Region Focus) at JICA Chubu International Center (JICA CHUBU), 4-60-7 Hiraike-cho, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya, 453-0872, Japan. Among her most recent research involvement includes being a Study Leader in the Tracer Study of Bicol University Graduates and a Project Staff of the DSWD-funded research project on the KALAHI CIDSS – National Community Driven Development Program (KC NCDDP) under the study focused on identifying the factors affecting timely completion of sub-projects in Region 5 and the factors influencing the community volunteers to seek elective position in the local government.

Myrna Pereyra, Bicol University, Philippines

An Associate Professor of Social Work Department, Bicol University College of Social Sciences and Philosophy. She is affiliated with the Philippine Association of Social Workers, Inc. (PASWI), National Association for Social Work Education, Inc. (NASWEI), Confederation of Faculty Association of State Colleges and Universities of the Philippines, and Philippine Association of Social Workers-Albay Chapter where she served as member of the board for 10 years. Her researches include: Women's Contribution in the Development Process of Galicia Rapu-Rapu, Albay; Socio-Economic Conditions, Status of Fisheries and Agriculture and Adaptive Capacities of Household and Communities in San Miguel Island, Albay Philippines under Koroshio Sphere of Influence; and Correlates of Academic Performance in Pupils under a Feeding Program. Other research involvement are: Assessment of LGUs Readiness to Institutionalize CDD: The Case of Selected LGUs in the Province of Albay; On-Farm Trial of Mud Crab Culture Technology by FSA Model-Lisner- Graduate in selected Areas in Albay; Climate Change Impact and Adaptation in the Coastal Environment (CLIMACE- Bicol); Socio-Economic Status and Development Prospects for Agriculture and Fisheries in Barangay Galicia, Rapu-Rapu, Albay; Assessment of Socio-Economic Status and Resource Utilization in San Miguel Island, Philippines: Integrated Analysis, Conservation; Profiling of Barangay Cabasan, Cagraray, Island, Bacacay, Albay; and Women in the International Migration Process: Patterns, Profiles and health Consequences of Sexual Exploitation.

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Published

2023-12-29

How to Cite

Sales, M. V. T., Uclaray, A., Baldoza, R. D., Niñofranco, J., Dycoco, C., Añonuevo, T., & Pereyra, M. . (2023). Factors Affecting the Prevalence of Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children in Camarines Sur, Bicol Region, Philippines. Asean Social Work Journal, 11(2). https://doi.org/10.58671/aswj.v11i02.37

Issue

Vol. 11 No. 2, December 2023

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Articles

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Copyright (c) 2023 Ma. Vida Teresa Sales, Angelo Uclaray, Russ Daniel Baldoza, Joselynn Niñofranco, Cherry Dycoco, Tania Añonuevo, Myrna Pereyra

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