Senator Panfilo Lacson has filed a bill aimed at regulating the use of social media among minors, citing studies that link excessive exposure to social media with mental health issues.
In his proposed measure, Lacson referenced a study by the United Nations Children’s Fund, which revealed that Filipino minors are increasingly vulnerable to cyberbullying, body image pressures, and online harassment. He highlighted a report from the Council for the Welfare of Children indicating that one in three Filipino minors uses the internet. Additionally, the National ICT (Information and Communications Technology) Household Survey showed that 60 percent of children aged 10 to 17 are active internet users.
Lacson pointed out that other countries, such as Australia, have implemented measures to address internet use among minors, suggesting that similar actions should be taken in the Philippines. “Taking inspiration from this model, and in adherence to our State’s declared policy of promoting and protecting the mental and emotional well-being of its children, this bill is being proposed to protect Filipino children below 18 years old from online risks and harmful content by prohibiting minors from accessing or using social media platforms,” he stated in a press release on Wednesday.
Among the key provisions of the proposed measure, social media platforms would be required to implement “reasonable steps and age verification measures” to prevent age-restricted users from registering, accessing, or continuing to use their services.
Violators of these regulations would face penalties under the Data Privacy Act, as well as other administrative, civil, or criminal penalties.