PH senator wants to safeguard minors from risks of social media
A National ICT Household Survey revealed that 60% of children ages 10 to 17 not only have access to the internet but are also active participants on various online platforms. A UNICEF study has shown that Filipino children and adolescents are becoming more vulnerable to cyberbullying, body image pressures, and online harassment due to their exposure to social media.
Sen. Panfilo Lacson introduced on July 3 a bill that seeks to regulate social media usage among minors to protect the mental health and well-being of Filipino youth. The proposed legislation aims to impose strict age restrictions and penalties for violations to address growing concerns about the detrimental effects of excessive social media use.
Citing alarming studies that highlight the correlation between social media use and rising mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and social isolation, Lacson emphasized the urgency of the situation. The senator also cited statistics from the Council for the Welfare of Children that one in three children ages 0 to 18 in the Philippines are internet users.
Under the bill, minors shall be prohibited from accessing or using social media services. In contrast, social media platforms shall take “reasonable steps and age verification measures to prevent age-restricted users from registering, accessing, or continuing to use their social media service.” Social media platforms will be required to adopt the following reliable means:
Ensure the age and identity of its users, such as but not limited to ID verification, facial recognition, and other identity authentication systems; conduct regular audits of user account data to detect and remove age-restricted users from the platform; and adopt prompt response mechanisms for reports or findings of age-restricted users on the platform.
The bill requires platform providers to ensure that the data collected is “limited, secure, and retained only for the period necessary to fulfill its intended lawful purpose.” A fine of P1 million to P20 million will be slapped against social media platforms and service providers who fail or refuse to comply with the measure. They also face a daily fine of up to P100,000 for each day of continuing violation after due notice.
In a related ASI article, it was reported that Europe is now faced with a growing concern among minors and school-aged children: screen addiction! This condition among young people is seen as an excessive and compulsive use of smartphones, tablets, computers, TVs and gaming consoles. Excessive screen exposure for children younger than 3 years old may negatively impact their brain development.
Reference: Lacson eyes bill to protect minors from social media risks
