Gatchalian raises alarm over underage social media users

Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian has raised concern over the high number of Filipino children using social media despite age restrictions on major platforms.

Citing Philippine Statistics Authority data, Gatchalian said many internet users aged 10 to 12 already have social media accounts, even though Facebook requires users to be at least 13 years old.

“Alam natin na maraming naidudulot na kabutihan ang teknolohiya. Ngunit may kaakibat din itong mga negatibong epekto sa ating mga kabataan,” he also said.

To address the issue, Gatchalian is pushing the Social Media Safety for Children Act, which seeks to ban social media use for children below 16 years old.

He also filed the Electronic Gadget-Free Schools Act, which aims to prohibit the use of smartphones and other electronic devices during class hours in public and private schools.IMT