Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino announced that the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is heeding the Council for the Welfare of Children's (CWC) call to enhance protection for child content creators against potential exploitation on digital platforms.
DOLE Reviews Policies on Child Labor in Digital Spaces
In a statement, Tolentino bared plans to address emerging concerns involving children engaged in content creation and other forms of work. "We need to address emerging concerns, including those involving children engaged in content creation and other forms of work," he said. The labor chief said DOLE is undertaking consultations with concerned government agencies and stakeholders to review existing issuances on child labor and working children.
"Recognizing the evolving list of hazardous work, workplaces, and activities for children, including those on digital platforms, DOLE continues to review and update policies and guidelines to ensure their relevance and effectiveness," Tolentino added.
CWC Calls for Regulation of Vlogs and Online Content Featuring Children
Last month, the CWC called on DOLE to regulate vlogs and online content featuring children following concerns over child abuse and exploitation. Under Republic Act 9231, children below 15 years of age shall not be employed, except when a child works directly under the sole responsibility of his/her parents or legal guardian and where only members of his/her family are employed.
Child Labor Statistics in the Philippines
As of 2024, there are an estimated 509,000 children engaged in child labor in the Philippines, according to data cited by SunStar Philippines.
