Politics · Philippines Bureau
Philippine House approves bill to restrict minors' social media access
The Philippine House of Representatives has passed legislation on final reading that would bar children aged 13 and younger from opening social media accounts, with additional restrictions for those under 18. The measure aims to protect minors in digital spaces.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — The House of Representatives gave its final approval on Monday to House Bill No. 10858, dubbed the Safe and Friendly Environment for Kids in Digital Spaces Act, which seeks to limit children's access to social media platforms. The measure passed with 287 votes in favor.
Under the proposed legislation, minors aged 13 and below would be prohibited from creating social media accounts, while those under 18 would face stricter access controls and usage restrictions. The bill represents the chamber's latest effort to address growing concerns over the impact of social media on young Filipinos.
The measure now advances to the Senate for consideration. Lawmakers supporting the bill have cited studies highlighting the potential risks of social media exposure to children, including mental health concerns and vulnerability to online exploitation.
The Philippines has one of the highest rates of social media usage globally, with young users making up a significant portion of the active user base. Proponents of the legislation argue that age-appropriate safeguards are necessary to protect children from harmful content and online predators.