Manila: The Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) has expressed its support for a proposed bill aimed at regulating minors' access to social media. The council views this legislative effort as a crucial step in safeguarding Filipino youth from online threats such as cyberbullying, scams, and sexual exploitation.
According to Philippines News Agency, CWC Executive Director Undersecretary Angelo Tapales stated during an interview on Bagong Pilipinas that the council is in favor of legislative actions to enhance online safety. However, he emphasized the importance of balancing children's right to protection with their right to access information and participate in digital spaces.
Tapales noted that the proposed bill could significantly contribute to protecting children against cyberbullying, online sexual abuse, exploitation, and misinformation. Nonetheless, he expressed concerns over reports suggesting that the bill might impose a total ban on social media access for minors. Tapales argued that not all children should be restricted from these platforms, particularly when they serve educational and civic engagement purposes.
The proposal, introduced by Senator Panfilo Lacson, is titled 'An Act Regulating the Use of Social Media Platforms by Minors' and seeks to prohibit individuals under the age of 18 from accessing social media. The bill underscores the connection between excessive social media use and mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and online harassment.
Tapales stressed the need to align the bill with existing child protection laws while promoting digital literacy among both parents and children. He also urged social media companies to adopt stringent age verification processes and safety-by-design features.
He highlighted the necessity of balancing the legislation with children's right to access information, as enshrined in the constitution. Reports from the Department of Education and cyber tip lines reveal high rates of cyberbullying and online exploitation among minors. A 2022 study indicated that 95% of Filipino children aged 12 to 17 are online, with approximately 2 million exposed to online sexual abuse in 2021 alone.
Tapales called for increased parental involvement, emphasizing that parents should serve as the first line of defense. He also encouraged social media platforms to implement clear content moderation policies to prevent exploiting children for profit online.
Additionally, Tapales urged individuals to report suspicious activities through the Makabata Helpline 1383 and advocated for continuous education on safe internet practices.
