Nothing about us without us: Shaping our digital childhood

Children and young people across the Philippines are calling for urgent, coordinated action to ensure that AI respects and protects our rights.

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We ask:The government:

* Create and enforce child-focused AI policies, including strong safeguards against Al-generated sexual abuse materials, deepfakes and online exploitation.

* Integrate digital and AI literacy in basic education for children, parents and teachers.

* Strengthen implementation of laws on cyberbullying, privacy and online safety.

* Develop culturally relevant child-protection measures, especially in regions like BARMM.

The National Privacy Commission:

* Require child-friendly explanations of data collection, use, storage and risks.

* Strictly regulate high-risk AI systems used in schools and platforms heavily accessed by children.

Tech companies:

* Make platforms safe by default, not only when settings are activated.

* Prevent AI from generating sexualized content involving minors; block harmful prompts.

* Respond rapidly to reports and co-design safer online spaces with children and youth.

Parents, teachers, community leaders:

* Guide us with empathy, not shame or punishment.