Proposed Bill Seeks to Keep Minors Off Social Media
SOCIAL MEDIA – The use of social media among young Filipinos may soon face tighter rules following a bill filed in the House of Representatives.
A proposal seeking to restrict social media access for young users is gaining attention in the Philippines after Eddie Villanueva, representative of the Citizens’ Battle Against Corruption Partylist (CIBAC), introduced a measure in the House of Representatives of the Philippines on Tuesday, March 10.
Villanueva filed House Bill No. 8262, also known as the “Social Media Protection for Minors Act,” which aims to prohibit children aged 16 and below from using social media platforms. According to a statement released by the CIBAC partylist, the proposal seeks to address the alleged harmful effects of social media on the mental health, safety, and developmental well-being of young people.
The lawmaker stressed that protecting minors from potentially harmful online content should be considered a serious responsibility of both society and the government.
“Protecting minors from unfiltered and harmful social media exposure is a moral and national responsibility. The unchecked impact of social media on young people–seen in addiction, exposure to sexual and violent content, exploitation, and identity confusion — poses long-term dangers not only to individual well-being but also to social cohesion and civic life.” Villanueva.
Supporters of the proposed bill believe that limiting social media access among minors could help reduce online risks such as cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate content, and excessive screen time. They also argue that younger users may not yet have the maturity to navigate the complex and sometimes harmful environment of online platforms.
Meanwhile, similar policies are already being implemented or considered in other countries. In Australia, a social media ban for minors was first launched in December 2025. The move was later followed by France and Spain, which also introduced restrictions aimed at protecting children online.
Other nations are also exploring similar measures. Malaysia has expressed plans to implement its own social media restrictions for minors, while Indonesia is set to enforce a similar ban starting Saturday, March 28.
As discussions around the bill continue, the proposal is expected to spark debate among lawmakers, parents, educators, and digital advocates on how best to balance children’s safety with their access to technology and online communication.
READ ALSO: Joel Villanueva Defended By His Father JIL Leader Eddie Villanueva