SENATOR Robinhood Padilla has urged Congress to stop treating online radicalization among Filipino youth as an issue requiring further study and instead prioritize legislation aimed at protecting children from extremism, manipulation, and criminal exploitation.

Padilla made the appeal amid growing concerns over the role of social media and digital platforms in exposing minors to extremist ideologies, harmful content, and organized recruitment efforts targeting vulnerable young people.

The senator said the Philippines has already witnessed decades of youth recruitment by religious, political, and ideological extremist groups, making the threat of online radicalization even more pressing in the digital age.

He questioned the need for additional studies, arguing that the country should instead draw lessons from past experiences and act decisively to safeguard children.

Padilla called for the immediate passage of his proposed Children’s Safety in Social Media Act, which seeks to prohibit minors from using social media platforms until they reach an appropriate age.

He noted that several countries have already adopted—or are considering—stricter regulations to shield children from harmful online content and extremist influences.

According to the senator, the measure remains pending in the Senate despite the growing risks faced by Filipino children online.

Padilla also renewed his call for the immediate approval of Senate Bill No. 372, which seeks to amend the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act by lowering the minimum age of criminal responsibility to 10 years old while strengthening intervention and accountability mechanisms for children in conflict with the law.

He said the proposed amendment is intended to deter the increasing number of heinous crimes involving minors.

The senator questioned the continued delay in acting on both measures despite repeated cases of youth exploitation, online manipulation, and crimes involving minors.

While expressing support for other pending measures, including the proposed Waling-Waling bill, Padilla stressed that legislation directly affecting the protection and future of Filipino children deserves equal, if not greater, urgency.

He also urged fellow lawmakers to focus on substantive legislation rather than political maneuvering, warning that delays in passing child protection measures leave Filipino children increasingly vulnerable.