Kapag Maselan ang Larong-bata: Ang Panitikang Pambata bilang Pananggalang sa Abusong Seksuwal sa Bata

This study examines four Filipino children’s books that deal with child sexual abuse. To evaluate the published works, studies by Bruno Bettelheim, Masha Rudman, and Howard Gardner on how stories and narratives for children can reinforce education, empowerment, and protection are used as guides.The four books aim to raise consciousness and provide a suitable strategy to solve the prevailing problem of child sexual abuse. The study shows the books’ significant attempts at educating children on how to deal with the problem through concrete solutions. These books delve into the sensitive subject of abuse while also instructing children on how to seek help from the authorities. The books introduce children to the touching rules, the concept of private parts of the body, and how to say no to malicious touching. The study also examines the weaknesses of the books like the superficial discussion of the subject matter, the convenient and quick resolution of the story, homophobia, sexism and stereotyping of sex offenders. In conclusion, this essay analyzes the representation of the experience, the physical aspects of the text, and the distribution of these alternative publications for children.