By Pexcel John Bacon
CHILD PROTECTION and mental health advocates on Wednesday opposed a blanket social media ban for minors, warning that restrictions could drive children to less regulated online platforms without addressing cyberbullying, sexual exploitation and other risks.
The groups urged lawmakers to boost platform accountability, expand mental health services and improve early intervention programs instead of relying on restrictions that could be difficult to enforce.
“Just because we don’t see them on social media anymore doesn’t mean they are safe,” Ysraeil “Ace” C. Diloy of Stairway Foundation told a news briefing in Filipino.
Mr. Diloy warned that restricting social media access could push children toward unregulated online spaces, making it harder for parents and authorities to monitor their activities and protect them from harm.
He said children’s online experiences are also shaped by their families, peers, schools and communities, making broader intervention necessary.
Stairway Foundation urged lawmakers to retain the minimum age of 13 for independent social media accounts while strengthening safeguards for users aged 13 to 17.
The group also called on technology companies to adopt a “safety by design” approach, incorporating child protection measures into platform features rather than placing responsibility solely on children and their parents.
It sought greater support for parents who lack the digital skills needed to guide their children’s online activities.
Ver E. Reyes, executive secretary of the Psychological Association of the Philippines, said policymakers should first establish whether a blanket ban would reduce social media use and the risks associated with it.
She cautioned against assuming a direct causal relationship between social media use and mental health problems, noting that children’s experiences, the content they encounter and their support systems also influence outcomes.
The group called for stronger accountability among technology platforms, age verification systems that protect privacy, accessible reporting mechanisms and programs that develop digital literacy, critical thinking and emotional regulation.
“Our goal should not simply be to keep children offline,” Ms. Reyes said. “Our goal should be to make sure that their online experiences are safer and to ensure that when harm occurs, there are effective ways to prevent it.”
Anthony S. Grecia, national trustee of the Philippine Mental Health Association, said banning social media access for people younger than 18 would not necessarily prevent school shootings or other forms of youth violence.
“A blanket ban is not the solution to keep young people safe,” he said.
Mr. Grecia urged authorities to prioritize mental health services, caregiver training, safer school environments and early intervention for children showing signs of distress.
The advocates also opposed lowering the minimum age of criminal responsibility without considering children’s developmental capacities and the implementation of existing laws.
Mr. Diloy said the government should first assess the implementation of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act before considering amendments, noting that rehabilitation remained possible with appropriate support.
The groups also cautioned against treating police presence in schools as the primary means of preventing violence, warning that fear could discourage students from expressing their emotions or seeking help.
They called for supportive school environments that teach children to manage anger, resolve conflicts and seek assistance when needed.
The advocates’ statements came after the House of Representatives approved House Bill No. 11566 or the proposed Children’s Digital Safety, Protection and Well-Being Act on third and final reading on Oct. 12.
The measure will prohibit children younger than 13 from creating social media accounts while requiring additional safeguards for older minors.
The Senate approved Senate Bill No. 2424 or the proposed Safe Media Access and Responsible Technology for Kids in Digital Spaces Act on third and final reading on Oct. 8.
The Senate measure proposes stricter restrictions on minors’ access to covered digital services.
Both chambers must reconcile their versions before the legislation is submitted to President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. for signing into law.