Photo courtesy: Senate of the Philippines
Senator Risa Hontiveros on Tuesday proposed stricter child safety measures for social media users aged 13 to 17, while seeking an outright ban for children below 13.
During the Senate session, Hontiveros said her proposal was intended to balance children’s protection with their access to the digital world, which she noted had become part of everyday life.
“For below 13, absolute ban, and for 13 to 17, sana ay child safety measures,” Hontiveros said.
She said the proposal was aligned with a European Union study recommending that those aged 13 to 18 be allowed access to social media provided adequate safety measures were in place.
Hontiveros also cited concerns from children’s rights organizations that an outright ban could lead young users to circumvent restrictions and seek access through other means.
“For many young people, social media is a way for young people to connect with their loved ones, communities, and remain informed about contemporary issues,” she said.
She emphasized that stronger safeguards should be implemented to ensure that young people’s access to social media remains safe.
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