MANILA — Concerned about the growing risks posed by online platforms to young people, CIBAC Party-List Rep. Bro. Eddie Villanueva has filed a measure seeking to bar Filipinos aged 16 and below from accessing social media.

House Bill No. 8262, or the “Social Media Protection for Minors Act,” places the burden of responsibility on platforms themselves, requiring them to implement strict age-verification systems and remove accounts suspected of belonging to underage users.

Villanueva said the proposal comes amid rising global alarm over the effects of social media on children’s mental health and safety, noting that several countries have already taken action.

“Protecting minors from unfiltered and harmful social media exposure is a moral and national responsibility. The unchecked impact of social media on young people—seen in addiction, exposure to sexual and violent content, exploitation, and identity confusion—poses long-term dangers not only to individual well-being but also to social cohesion and civic life,” he stressed.

The lawmaker pointed out that Australia, Spain, and France have introduced restrictions on minors’ social media use, while Indonesia is preparing similar measures. He argued that these international efforts highlight the need for governments to step in and create safer digital spaces.

Under the bill, platforms would also be required to submit transparency reports detailing their compliance. Villanueva emphasized that the measure is not meant to be punitive but part of a broader framework.

“This measure avoids simplistic or punitive approaches. Overly strict restrictions may drive minors into less regulated online spaces. HB 8262 must be understood as part of a broader protective framework—one that includes digital literacy, school engagement, and parental guidance—to ensure we do not increase vulnerability while attempting to promote safety,” he explained.

If passed, the proposal would mark one of the Philippines’ most significant attempts to regulate social media use among minors, aligning the country with a growing international movement to safeguard children in the digital age.

📷 CIBAC