Child advocates back online safety bill but flag parental consent concerns

MANILA — Children's rights advocates have welcomed the House of Representatives' approval of a substitute bill addressing children's safety on social media and online gaming platforms, though they have flagged concerns about specific provisions that could restrict young users' digital access.

The House Committee on Welfare of Children signed off on the Children's Social Media and Online Gaming Safety Act, marking a significant step toward protecting minors from online threats including exploitation, harassment, and addiction. The legislation is designed to establish guardrails for how technology companies operate services frequented by children.

However, child welfare organizations have expressed apprehension over requirements that parents provide explicit consent before their children can access social media accounts. Advocates warn that such provisions could inadvertently exclude vulnerable youth from digital platforms, potentially limiting their ability to connect with support networks and educational resources.

The proposed restrictions on short-form video content have similarly drawn scrutiny, with experts questioning whether the regulations adequately balance child protection with children's legitimate interests in accessing diverse online content. Child rights groups have urged lawmakers to refine these provisions during the legislative process to ensure the final law effectively safeguards minors without unduly limiting their digital participation.

The measure is expected to continue its passage through the legislative pipeline, with further debate anticipated as lawmakers consider stakeholder feedback from child protection advocates and the technology sector.