THE SENATE will prioritize legislation seeking to prohibit children aged 16 and below from using social media, citing growing evidence linking online platforms to youth violence and mental health concerns.

In a privilege speech, Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian said scientific studies from several countries have shown that excessive social media exposure can negatively affect children and make them more vulnerable to violent and criminal behavior.

Gatchalian stressed that the issue extends beyond individual users, warning that it also threatens the mental health, safety, and overall well-being of families and communities. He urged the Senate to fast-track deliberations on the proposed social media ban, particularly his Senate Bill No. 2066.

Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri backed the proposal, saying lawmakers must demonstrate the political will to adopt safeguards similar to those implemented in England, France, and other European countries.

He described the harmful effects of social media on children’s thinking and behavior as deeply alarming.

Zubiri also said restrictions should extend beyond social media to include violent online games, particularly shooting games, noting that investigations into the school shootings in Zamboanga City and Tacloban City indicated that the young perpetrators had imitated violent digital content.

Meanwhile, Senator Robin Padilla said his committee will submit to the Senate plenary in the coming weeks a broader measure that would prohibit minors from accessing social media, violent online games, websites, and online communities that promote or glorify violence, including the so-called True Crime Community.

Padilla said such online content now poses a clear and present danger to Filipino youth, underscoring the need for urgent legislative action.