QUEZON CITY, Philippines (Aug 2026) — One in three Pinoy adolescents experiences violence at home, a sobering reality that is driving a massive push for more responsible and sensitive storytelling in local media.
During the launch of the national webinar series titled “Ang Bata sa Lente ng Pananaliksik at Midya,” researchers, journalists, and child advocates gathered to demand stronger child-sensitive reporting. The initiative, organized by the Philippines Communication Society in partnership with the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP), the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC), and the National Council for Children’s Television, aims to reform how the public and institutions address children’s welfare.
Why childhood trauma stays for life
Data from 2022 highlights the scale of the issue. According to PIDS Senior Research Fellow Dr. Valerie Gilbert Ulep, around 35 percent of Pinoy adolescents have been exposed to violence at home, either directly or indirectly, while almost 20 percent have experienced bullying.
These numbers come from the Longitudinal Cohort Study of the Filipino Child, which has tracked more than 5,000 Pinoy children since 2016. Dr. Ulep explained that childhood experiences at home, school, and the community heavily influence mental health, learning confidence, and future economic productivity.
The risks are even higher for vulnerable groups. Data shows that sexual minority adolescents and those with gender-nonconforming expressions are significantly more likely to experience domestic violence and school bullying. Dr. Ulep urged media practitioners to ensure their coverage does not add to the stigma these children already face, noting that violence against children is a public health and development issue rather than a series of isolated crime stories.
Putting the child before the viral click
To address these concerns, the CWC presented its updated Guide for Media Practitioners on the Reporting and Coverage of Children. Camille Jacinto-Lizardo, communications head of the CWC, emphasized that the guide helps content creators and journalists prioritize the best interest of the child.
The updated guide expands beyond traditional broadcasting to include vloggers, influencers, and government information officers. Anchored on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, it establishes five core principles for media decisions: privacy, agency, participation, dignity, and sensitivity. It offers practical steps for protecting identities, securing parental consent alongside a child’s assent, and avoiding harmful language.
Real-world lessons from the field
Veteran broadcast journalist and documentary producer Kara David shared her team’s long-term practices in reporting on vulnerable communities. When producing a documentary on child abuse victims, David explained that her team consulted government agencies and a child psychiatrist before production, and worked closely with social workers during filming.
To prevent re-traumatization, the production team deliberately chose not to interview the child victims. They also avoided dramatic reenactments of abuse to prevent sensationalizing the topic.
David noted that the rapid shift toward digital platforms puts journalists under tighter deadlines, but reminded content creators that stories hold immense power to influence audiences for good or bad.
The webinar marks the beginning of a larger national campaign. The series will continue on Nov. 11, 2026, with a session focusing on artificial intelligence and digital citizenship, followed by a discussion on child nutrition and mental health on Jan. 20, 2027. The initiative will conclude with a National Policy Forum scheduled for Feb. 16 to 17, 2027.
