Manila: Senator Sherwin Gatchalian said Wednesday he is studying the possibility of banning minors on social media following reports from the police that they have thwarted an alleged plan of a group of teenagers to stage a school attack.

According to Philippines News Agency, Gatchalian stated that the foiled plot should serve as a wake-up call. He expressed concern that an online gaming community may have influenced these youths, highlighting the dangers of unchecked digital spaces. He also emphasized the need for stronger school-based support systems to address students' mental health.

The Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) is now coordinating with Internet service providers after apprehending seven children in Laguna who were allegedly planning a mass shooting. These children, all aged 15, reportedly connected with an unidentified individual online last January, who influenced them to plan the attack and instructed them to use another platform to acquire guns.

ACG operatives were able to track the children online and arrested them before they could purchase the weapons. They have been under the custody of the social welfare office since last month.

Gatchalian announced his intention to file a bill banning social media use for minors aged 16 and below, a move inspired by similar actions in countries such as Australia, Denmark, and Norway. He urged action, stating, "Huwag na nating hintaying lumala ang problemang ito ng mga kabataan bago tayo kumilos (Let us not wait for this problem with the youth to worsen before we act)."