BLOG POST
On World Teachers' Day, 5 October, we would like to promote the voices of teachers, in accordance with UNESCO's theme: “Valuing teacher voices: towards a new social contract for education”. [1] We emphasise the urgency of amplifying teachers' voices, whilst addressing their challenges and recognising the invaluable expertise they bring to education.
This blog post was written by our wonderful Protect Children intern, Emma Corrêa de Mora, who is contributing to our work to understand and prevent sexual violence against children.
This day commemorates the adoption of the 1966 ILO/UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers [2], establishing the rights and obligations of teachers. Equipping teachers with the knowledge to handle difficult situations helps prevent the risk of secondary traumatisation. Since teachers are seen as safe adults by children, it is essential that their own needs are acknowledged and taken into consideration, to protect them from burnout and feelings of being overwhelmed.
Given their close relationship with children and often being the ones children seek support and help from, Protect Children is committed to supporting and promoting the valuable work of teachers. By actively collaborating with teachers and educators, the organisation provides them with knowledge and practical tools to address sexual violence against children, empowering them to continue their crucial role in safeguarding the well-being of their students.
Protect Children collaborates with teachers and their students to organise StopSlowGo-workshops™, aiming to teach children digital safety skills and body boundaries. We recognise the vital role teachers play in childrens’ lives, and here on our website, professionals can access resources designed to help them address these topics in a child-friendly manner. Teaching children to recognize what is safe and unsafe online is crucial in preventing sexual crimes. Our report, Tech Platforms Used by Online Child Sexual Abuse Offenders, reveals that many offenders approach children through the same social media platforms they frequently use. [3] Therefore, it is vital for children to understand how to navigate the internet safely to protect themselves from potential harm.
Thank you to all teachers; you are a significant part of the important work in the fight against sexual violence against children.
References:
[1] UNESCO. (2024). World Teachers’ Day. World Teachers' Day | UNESCO.
[2] The ILO/UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers. (1966).
[3] Protect Children. (2024). Tech Platforms Used by Online Child Sexual Abuse Offenders: Research Report with Actionable Recommendations for the Tech Industry. https://www.suojellaanlapsia.fi/en/post/tech-platforms-child-sexual-abuse.
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