Today's Youth; A star to everyone

 

      Everyone was once a child. A child that runs around not minding what other people are thinking about him/her. A child that is so innocent and doesn't know how the world works. This November, we celebrate each and every kid in our country. With the theme "Break the Prevalence, End the Violence: Protecting Children, Creating a Safe Philippines," it focuses on combating different kinds of violence that a lot of Filipino children face daily in their lives wherever they are. Children that are supposed to be secured, loved, and cared for are usually the ones that are vulnerable to abuse, labor, violence, and exploitation. "Hindi naman magsusumbong yan, bata yan eh!" "Bata ka lang, walang maniniwala sayo." "Ano lalaban kana? kabata bata mo!" These are what abusers usually say to those young children, scaring them that may have long-term effects on their mental, emotional, and physical well-being. It's true that they still have no strength to fight for themselves, but is that a reason for you to abuse them? to use them for money? No, it will never be. With this theme, it calls the attention of our society to take action and to break the cycle of violence these kids are going through.

        Violence against kids is not just one's problem but a societal one. It reminds us that protecting a child is not just within their family but also beyond it. An example are the schools. Schools must be a safe environment for the children to learn and to grow, where bullying and discrimination have no place. But some don't even feel safe in their own home; their family is the one who's hurting them. Some, due to poverty, even sell their own children, particularly their daughters, to foreigners just to have money. While some children are on the streets wandering around, selling goods just for their everyday needs. Adults should also take the initiative to change for their children's sake. They should remember that they bought the child into the world and that they have responsibilities, not only giving them education but also providing an environment that is calm and free from violence. The call to break the cycle removes the idea of normalizing violence and harm in different environments. 

     A safer Philippines also needs safer child growth. The youth are not just youths; they are the next generation—the generation that will take over the country one day. They are the nations future. The future is bright if genuine smiles and happiness are plastered on the children's lips. Strengthen the laws, spread awareness, wake those who are still sleeping, and encourage the children to speak up; it may be hard, but it's for the best. Child abuse must be erased. Children should feel safe, not tormented. This year's National Children's Month reminds us all of us have responsibilities to protect the young and give them a safe environment. Today's youth are the stars—stars that will shine bright for the future.

REFERENCE:

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