SENATOR Panfilo Lacson has filed a bill seeking to regulate social media access among minors, citing growing concerns over its impact on mental health and online safety.
In his proposed measure, Lacson highlighted a United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) study showing that Filipino youth are increasingly vulnerable to cyberbullying, body image issues, and online harassment.
He also referenced data from the Council for the Welfare of Children, which found that one in three Filipino minors regularly uses the internet, and a National ICT Household Survey showing that 60 percent of children aged 10 to 17 are active online users.
Inspired by similar initiatives in countries like Australia, Lacson said the Philippines must take proactive steps to safeguard minors online. “This bill aims to protect children under 18 from harmful digital content and online risks by restricting their access to social media platforms,” he said in a statement Wednesday.
The bill mandates social media companies to implement age verification systems and other safeguards to prevent minors from accessing or continuing to use their platforms. Violators may face sanctions under the Data Privacy Act and other applicable laws.