NOCFS calls for justice over forcing and filming child swearing

By SEPKOLIN WALNE

THE National Office for Child and Family Service (NOCFS) has called for justice following the circulation of a video on social media showing an underaged child using foul language.

NOCFS Acting Chief Executive Officer Jerry Wap said: “Under the Lukautim Pikinini Act 2015, we are mandated by law to protect every child in this country regardless of where they come from, the family background, religion, and gender.

“We have observed and are disturbed by an adult coercing the child to swear using inappropriate words.

“This behavior is unacceptable and constitutes a clear violation of a child rights,” Mr Wap said.

He emphasized that all children deserved a nurturing environment which protected them from exploitation, humiliation, and exposure to harmful conduct.

“Forcing a child to engage in such behavior is not only degrading but can have lasting psychological and emotional consequences on the child’s development and growth,” Mr Wap said.

“In condemning this act, I wish to inform the public that our office is working closely with Law Enforcement and relevant agencies to ensure that adults’ actions are being investigated under the Lukautim Pikinini Act 2015.”

Mr Wap appealed to people to refrain from sharing the video or distributing it to avoid any further harm to the child.

He urged people who knew the whereabouts of the adult behind the video or smartphone to report him or her to the police or his office.

“I am calling on parents and families to be vigilant and preventive,” Mr Wap said.

“They don’t need to allow their kids to be with people they don’t trust, and this is an example of one of those happening.

“We believe that the video was not taken by the parents, it maybe someone apart from the father or mother.”