Awareness of Pre-Service Teachers on Child Protection Policy (RA 7610) in a State College of the Philippines

Child protection is a fundamental human rights concern and an essential component of safe and inclusive educational systems. Globally, violence against children remains pervasive despite international efforts to eliminate abuse, exploitation, and neglect. (The World Health Organization [WHO], 2020) estimates that nearly one billion children aged two (2) to seventeen (17) years have experienced physical, emotional, or sexual violence or neglect, highlighting the persistent vulnerability of children across diverse contexts (The World Health Organization [WHO], 2020). These realities underscore the need for effective legal frameworks and competent frontline implementers, particularly within schools where children spend a significant portion of their formative years. RA 7610 aligns with the country’s commitments to the Sustainable Development Goals 4, which promotes inclusive, equitable, and safe learning environments (United Nations, 2019).

Despite strong international mandates, empirical evidence reveals persistent gaps

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