1. Introduction

DEVCON Philippines, the largest community of IT students, professional developers, and tech enthusiasts with 11 active chapters in the Philippines, is committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all children participating in our programs, activities, and events. As a non-profit organization empowering the next generation of Filipino tech talent, we recognize our responsibility to protect children from harm, abuse, and exploitation, particularly within our DEVCON Kids program, which focuses on making computer science accessible and fun for children. This Child Protection Policy outlines our commitment to safeguarding children, specifically within DEVCON Kids. It provides a framework for our staff, volunteers, partners, and anyone working with children in this program.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all individuals involved with DEVCON Kids, a program of DEVCON Philippines, including but not limited to:

• Staff (paid and unpaid) working directly with DEVCON Kids
• Volunteers involved in DEVCON Kids activities
• Board members overseeing DEVCON Kids
• Contractors providing services to DEVCON Kids
• Partners collaborating with DEVCON Kids
• Interns assisting with DEVCON Kids
• Is anyone else working with children, specifically within the DEVCON Kids program

This policy covers all DEVCON Kids activities, including but not limited to:

• Coding classes and workshops
• Competitions
• Expos
• Online interactions (e.g., social media, online forums, specifically related to DEVCON Kids)
• Events
• Communications with children related to DEVCON Kids

3. Guiding Principles

• Paramountcy of the Child: The best interests of the child are our primary consideration in all actions and decisions related to DEVCON Kids.
• Prevention: We strive to create a culture of prevention within DEVCON Kids by implementing robust safeguarding measures and promoting awareness of child protection issues specific to children's interactions with technology and online environments.
• Protection: We are committed to protecting children in DEVCON Kids from all forms of harm, including physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, neglect, and exploitation, with particular attention to online safety and digital interactions.
• Participation: We respect children's rights to express their views and participate in decisions that affect them within DEVCON Kids programs.
• Equality and Inclusion: We are committed to providing equal opportunities for all children participating in DEVCON Kids, regardless of their background, ethnicity, gender, ability, or any other status.
• Accountability and Transparency: We are accountable for our actions within DEVCON Kids and transparent in our safeguarding practices.

4. Child Protection Procedures (Specific to DEVCON Kids)

• Recruitment and Screening: We implement safe recruitment practices for all staff and volunteers working directly with DEVCON Kids, including background checks (where legally permissible and appropriate), reference checks, and interviews. Special attention will be paid to experience and suitability for working with children in a tech education context.
• Training: All staff and volunteers working with DEVCON Kids receive mandatory training on this Child Protection Policy, child protection best practices, and reporting procedures. Training will include specific modules on online safety, responsible digital citizenship, and appropriate interactions in virtual learning environments. Refresher training will be provided regularly.
• Code of Conduct: All staff and volunteers working with DEVCON Kids are required to adhere to a Code of Conduct that outlines appropriate behavior towards children. This includes guidelines on physical contact, communication (both online and offline), confidentiality, and professional boundaries, specifically within the context of online interactions and tech education.
• Supervision: Children will be adequately supervised during all DEVCON Kids activities. The level of supervision will be appropriate to the age and needs of the children and the nature of the activity, with heightened attention to online activities and virtual interactions.
• Online Safety: We implement measures to ensure the online safety of children participating in DEVCON Kids programs, including guidelines on online communication, social media use, protection from online risks (e.g., cyberbullying, inappropriate content), and data privacy. We will utilize age-appropriate platforms and tools and educate children about online safety best practices.
• Reporting Procedures: We have clear and accessible reporting procedures for staff, volunteers, and children participating in DEVCON Kids to report any concerns or suspicions of child abuse or neglect, including online safety violations or inappropriate interactions. All reports will be taken seriously and investigated promptly.
• Confidentiality: We respect the confidentiality of children and their families, while also recognizing our legal obligations to report suspected abuse or neglect.
• Record Keeping: We maintain accurate and confidential records of child protection concerns and reports related to DEVCON Kids.
• Partnerships: We work with partners who share our commitment to child protection within the context of tech education and implement appropriate safeguarding measures.
• Policy Review: This Child Protection Policy will be reviewed and updated regularly to ensure its effectiveness and compliance with relevant Philippine laws and regulations, and best practices for online safety and child protection in digital environments.

5. Reporting Child Protection Concerns

Any concerns or suspicions of child abuse or neglect, including online safety violations or inappropriate interactions within DEVCON Kids, must be reported immediately to the designated Child Protection Officer(s) at DEVCON Philippines. Contact information will be readily available to all staff, volunteers, and participants. Reports may also be made to the appropriate authorities as required by law.

6. Contact Information

For any child protection concerns related to DEVCON Kids, please contact us at hello@devcon.ph 

7. Disciplinary Action

Failure to comply with this Child Protection Policy may result in disciplinary action, including termination of employment or volunteer status.

8. Accessibility

This Child Protection Policy will be available to all staff, volunteers, partners, children, and their families participating in DEVCON Kids in appropriate formats and languages.

This policy is a living document and will be reviewed and updated regularly. All staff and volunteers working with DEVCON Kids are responsible for familiarizing themselves with this policy and adhering to its provisions.