Politics · Philippines Bureau
Senate advances bill to restrict social media access for minors
The Philippine Senate has approved on second reading legislation that would prohibit children under 18 from accessing social media platforms. The measure seeks to shield minors from potential physical, mental and social harms associated with social media use.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA – The Senate has moved forward with a bill designed to protect children from the risks posed by social media platforms, approving it on second reading. Senate Bill No. 2424, formally titled the Child Online Safety and Protection Act, aims to establish age-based restrictions preventing minors under 18 years old from using social media services.
The legislation addresses growing concerns about the impact of social media on children's physical health, mental wellbeing and social development. Proponents argue that unrestricted access to these platforms exposes minors to cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and addictive design features that may harm their development.
The bill now advances to the third and final reading before it can proceed to the House of Representatives for consideration. If enacted, the measure would represent a significant regulatory shift in how social media platforms operate in the Philippines, one of Asia's largest social media markets.
The move reflects broader international efforts to establish age-appropriate digital safeguards, with similar restrictions being debated or implemented in other jurisdictions. Child safety advocates have endorsed the measure as a necessary step to protect the nation's youth in an increasingly digital environment.