Senate panel backs bill raising minimum social media age to 16

The Senate committee on public information and mass media, chaired by Sen. Robinhood Padilla, on Wednesday approved Senate Bill No. 2424 for consideration by the full chamber. The measure, formally titled the Child Online Safety and Protection Act, establishes 16 as the minimum age for social media use in the Philippines.

Proponents of the legislation argue that the age requirement would shield younger children from exposure to harmful online content, cyberbullying, and exploitation. The bill represents an effort to strengthen protections for minors navigating digital platforms, which have become increasingly prevalent in Philippine society.

The endorsement moves the measure closer to a full Senate floor debate, where lawmakers will weigh the merits of implementing stricter age controls against concerns about enforcement and practical application. The proposal comes amid growing international focus on regulating social media access for children and safeguarding their online experiences.

If passed by the Senate and approved by the House of Representatives, the legislation would require social media companies operating in the Philippines to verify users' ages before granting access to their platforms.