SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian has renewed his call to restrict minors’ access to social media platforms in the Philippines, citing growing concerns over online safety and child welfare.

The proposal follows recent developments in the region, particularly Indonesia’s implementation of a policy banning individuals under 16 from using social media—the first of its kind in Southeast Asia. The measure limits minors from creating accounts on platforms classified as “high-risk,” including Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube, X, and Roblox.

Gatchalian said the Philippines should seriously consider adopting similar safeguards to reduce children’s exposure to harmful content and prevent potential online exploitation.

Earlier, the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center also urged telecommunications companies to prepare for a possible nationwide restriction on Roblox due to reported risks involving child safety and abuse.

The senator further pointed to a recent Los Angeles jury ruling that found YouTube and Meta partly liable for contributing to social media addiction among children—highlighting the urgent need for stricter regulations.

He also cited findings from the 2022 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), which showed that every additional hour Filipino students aged 15 spend on digital devices for leisure is linked to a four-point decline in mathematics performance.

“Huwag na nating hayaang lumala pa ang problema bago tayo kumilos,” Gatchalian said, emphasizing the need for immediate government action.

Globally, momentum is building for tighter digital protections. Australia recently became the first country to enforce a nationwide ban on social media use for those under 16, a policy that took full effect in December 2025.

Gatchalian stressed that implementing similar measures in the Philippines could help strike a balance between digital access and safeguarding the well-being of young Filipinos in an increasingly connected world.