Youth

 

           

This year marks the 30th year of the National Children’s Month celebration in the Philippines and the national theme of this year’s celebration is “Kalusugan, Kaisipan at Kapakanan ng Bawat Bata ating Tutukan!” to celebrate the gains and successes of the country in the promotion and protection of children’s rights, its focus is aligned with the key strategies of PPAEVAC to end violence against children and promote their well-being.

Studies show that in our country, violent discipline is the most frequent form of violence against children in homes, driven by factors including social norms around the use of and effectiveness of discipline, authoritarian parenting, and parents’ level of education. Also, the lack of supervision, single headed household and absent parents increases the vulnerability of children to sexual violence at home. Emotional violence from parents increases children’s negative behavior, which increases their risk of experiencing violent discipline and perpetrating aggressive behavior towards others. Experiencing or being exposed to violence in the home also increases the risk that children will use or experience violence against partners, peers and family members. Nowadays, mental health concern is an alarming issue among children.

The 30th National Children’s Month aims to acknowledge the magnitude of the mental health concerns among children during the COVID-19 pandemic and the new normal, and to meet and improve the mental health of Filipino children through activities that respond to the categories of children’s rights, among others.

I have no doubt that this commemoration of the 30th National Children’s Month will inspire further, significant efforts to develop a generation of learners who are well-informed and extremely self-aware, which is a key factor in having a good mental health. I believe that every contribution matters and may transforms lives, whether it is participating in a community event, watching out for someone being harassed, or increasing awareness. It is important to always find ways to participate.

References:

Covid-19 effects highlight National Children’s Month activities. October.25,2021. Manila, Philippines. Retrieved on November 25, 2022.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1157678

Bata Ako PH, Iloilo City celebrate National Children’s Month with POP-UP Festival. November 9,2019.Manila, Philippines. Retrieved on November 25,2022.

https://www.iloilotoday.com/bata-ako-ph-national-childrens-month-2019/