Senator Advocates for Minors’ Social Media Safety
MANILA, Philippines — Senator Erwin Tulfo has introduced a bill aiming to implement stronger safeguards for minors on social media. The proposed law targets the growing concern over digital risks faced by children and teens in the Philippines.
Tulfo emphasized that while social media platforms offer educational and social benefits, there are insufficient protections to shield young users from online dangers and digital addiction. “This bill seeks to address that gap by mandating age-appropriate access with parental oversight, establishing Anti-Digital addiction programs, imposing clear responsibilities on social media platforms, and third-party age verification providers. Hence, the immediate passage of this measure is earnestly sought,” the senator said upon filing Senate Bill No. 595.
Key Provisions of the Safeguards for Minors on Social Media Bill
The bill proposes that children under 13 years old be barred from using social media except under supervised educational settings approved by the Department of Education. For minors aged 13 to 17, social media use would require verified consent from parents or guardians.
Additionally, these teens must access platforms tailored to their age group with restricted interaction capabilities and enhanced privacy settings. These measures aim to limit exposure to harmful content while promoting safer online habits.
Rising Digital Consumption Among Filipino Youth
According to the senator, the Philippines has about 90 million social media users with an average daily screen time between eight to ten hours. This places the country among the highest globally in digital consumption.
Alarmingly, children as young as two months old reportedly spend roughly two hours daily in front of screens. Studies reveal Filipino children dedicate over 34 hours weekly to digital entertainment, exceeding the global average by more than two hours.
Health Risks Linked to Excessive Screen Time
Tulfo highlighted that prolonged screen exposure among children correlates with delayed language development, psychosocial difficulties, and reduced attention spans. These signs point to emerging mental and physical health challenges.
Further, children using screens for more than nine hours daily face increased risks of mood disorders, sleep problems, lower physical activity, and obesity. “These troubling trends reveal a clear policy gap,” the senator added.
These concerns underscore the urgent need for legislation to protect young Filipinos from the harmful effects of unchecked social media use.
For more news and updates on social media safety for minors, visit Filipinokami.com.
