SENATE President Sherwin Gatchalian on Thursday said the chamber will prioritize a proposed measure seeking to ban social media use among minors when Congress resumes session, citing growing global efforts to protect children from the harmful effects of online platforms.

Gatchalian cited France’s move to join the increasing number of countries imposing restrictions on social media access among minors, saying the Philippines should not be left behind in addressing the risks posed by excessive and unsafe online use.

“With France joining the growing number of countries that have banned social media for minors, we can no longer afford to be left behind. A clear global consensus is emerging: social media use among our children endangers their mental health, safety, and overall well-being,” Gatchalian said.

The Senate leader said the proposed legislation will be among the chamber’s priority measures once lawmakers return to session.

“Sa pagbabalik-sesyon ng Kongreso, bibigyang prayoridad ng Senado ang panukalang batas na ipagbawal ang paggamit ng social media sa mga menor de edad. Hindi na natin ito dapat ipagpaliban dahil ang kinabukasan ng ating kabataan ang nakataya dito,” he said.

Gatchalian stressed that protecting children from the dangers associated with excessive and unsafe social media use has become an urgent concern, adding that the Philippines must align with global initiatives to safeguard the mental health, safety, and overall welfare of young people.