SENATOR Bam Aquino is calling for stricter enforcement of age restrictions on violent video games and tighter regulation of online chat groups involving minors following the deadly school shooting in Zamboanga City that claimed the lives of two students.

Aquino said current research does not support claims that video games alone cause violent behavior, arguing that lawmakers should instead focus on preventing children from accessing mature-rated games and harmful online spaces.

The senator proposed enforcing age classifications for video games similar to those used for movies and television programs. He also said penalties should be considered for game developers, parents and other adults who allow minors to access games intended only for mature audiences.

Aquino identified unregulated chat groups as a more serious concern, saying these spaces can expose children to violent, extremist and other harmful content.

He said his proposal to restrict minors’ access to social media should also cover chat groups and online pages where such material is shared and circulated.

Aquino is the author of Senate Bill No. 2299, or the Digital Safety for Minors Act, which seeks to prohibit children below 15 years old from accessing social media platforms as part of broader efforts to protect young people’s mental health and online safety.

He is also pushing for the passage of Senate Bill No. 2390, or the Comprehensive School Safety Act, which seeks to strengthen campus security following school shooting incidents in Tacloban City and Zamboanga City.

The proposed measure includes installing additional CCTV cameras, deploying security guards and volunteers, using metal detectors, implementing bag-inspection protocols, and adopting a localized National School Safety Framework that would establish response procedures before, during and after violent incidents.

As vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, Aquino said funding should not be an obstacle to improving school safety, stressing that the necessary resources can be provided if there is sufficient political will.