Is it time to limit minors’ access to social media?
Senator Ping Lacson has filed the “Regulation of the Use of Social Media Platforms by Minors” bill, aiming to safeguard Filipino youth from the dangers of unchecked online exposure.
In a press release from his office, Lacson cited a study by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) which found that Filipino children and adolescents are among the most vulnerable to cyberbullying, body image pressure, and online harassment — all exacerbated by prolonged use of social media platforms.
“A UNICEF study revealed that Filipino children and adolescents have grown vulnerable to cyberbullying, body image pressures, and online harassment because of social media exposure,” the statement read.
Under the proposed bill, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) would be designated as the lead agency to oversee implementation.
The DICT may also be authorized to issue “disabling orders” to remove or restrict access to social media accounts that violate age restrictions.
The move reignites debate over online safety, digital freedom, and the responsibilities of both government and tech platforms in protecting vulnerable users.