House panel backs social media ban for children under 13

MANILA — Lawmakers are pushing forward with legislation that would establish age-based restrictions on social media access for minors, following a committee hearing focused on child welfare concerns.

The House committee on the welfare of children has approved a proposal to completely ban social media use among children under 13 years old. For teenagers between 13 and 18, the measure would implement stricter controls and limitations on how they can access and use social media platforms.

The initiative reflects growing concerns among policymakers about the risks young Filipinos face online, including exposure to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and other digital threats. Proponents argue that age-appropriate restrictions are necessary to safeguard children's mental health and overall development during critical formative years.

The proposal now advances from the committee level and moves toward broader consideration in the House. The measure joins other ongoing legislative efforts in the Philippines aimed at creating a safer digital environment for minors as social media usage continues to grow among the country's youth population.