A recent study highlights significant obstacles preventing Filipino children and youth from reporting incidents of online sexual abuse, despite widespread awareness of child protection services. The report, published in June 2025, reveals that while nine out of ten young Filipinos know where to seek help, only one-third actually do so due to fears of shame (78%), exposure of identity (65%), and lack of trust in adults or authorities (60%).

Joe-Anna Abelinde, country director of research partner Terre des Hommes (TDH), emphasized the unexpected nature of these findings, stating, "We initially thought children didn’t know who to reach out to, but the real issue lies in bridging the gap between awareness and reporting." She described the findings as a wake-up call for community outreach initiatives.

The study reiterates the Philippines' position as a global epicenter of livestreamed child sexual abuse, citing previous estimates that two million Filipino children were victims of online sexual abuse and exploitation in 2021 alone. This extensive research, co-funded by the European Union’s Project CONEC and supported by TDH Netherlands, Philippines Against Child Trafficking, and other local NGOs, involved surveys of 896 young Filipinos aged 10 to 24 across Bohol, Cebu, and Taguig, alongside interviews with community members, corporate representatives, and government officials.

Special attention was given to LGBTQ+ children, who face heightened risks and unique barriers. Sixty-five percent of respondents from this group admitted they avoid reporting abuse due to fear of being outed, despite 65% having experienced some form of online sexual abuse — significantly higher than their heterosexual counterparts. Abelinde noted, "For LGBTQ+ youth, the difficulty is compounded by concerns over their identities being disclosed, making them less likely to come forward."

The study also revealed that a vast majority of cases remain unreported; among 169 unreported incidents, 59% involved girls while 9% involved LGBTQ+ youth. The report attributes part of this to peer pressure among girls and a tendency for LGBTQ+ children to seek validation in online communities.

Poverty exacerbates the problem, particularly amid the COVID-19 pandemic when many families lost their incomes. Abelinde remarked, "Hunger became a primary driver of online sexual abuse images and livestreaming during the pandemic; some families viewed it as a necessary means to survive." She further dispelled misconceptions that abuse without physical contact is less harmful, stressing that "psychological trauma inflicted by online abuse is profound and lasting."

Complex family dynamics add to the difficulty in reporting, as abuse often occurs within families or is perpetrated by trusted community adults. Fear of blame and judgment, especially among LGBTQ+ youth, discourages disclosure to parents. Abelinde stressed the need for more nuanced laws addressing intrafamilial abuse and comprehensive survivor support.

Highlighting legal challenges, Abelinde pointed out difficulties in prosecuting overseas perpetrators and platform operators due to jurisdictional limits. "Online exploitation transcends borders, but our legal systems do not. This hampers efforts to identify offenders and eradicate abuse."

The report advocates for a holistic, trauma-informed approach to child protection policies that actively recognize diverse gender identities, provide peer-based support models, and eliminate fear among victims seeking assistance. Abelinde concluded, "OSAEC is rapidly evolving — shifting from platforms like Facebook and Twitter to TikTok and Telegram. Legislative responses must keep pace to effectively combat this issue."

Reports of child abuse can be made through the Department of Social Welfare and Development hotline at 734-4216, the Commission on Human Rights Child Rights Center at 927-4033, and the Department of Justice Task Force on Child Protection at 523-8481 to 89. Local barangay councils for the protection of children also accept reports.