SENATE President Pro Tempore Vicente Sotto III has filed Senate Resolution No. 486 seeking an inquiry into the impact of social media on Filipino children and possible measures to strengthen their protection in the digital space.

The resolution directs the appropriate Senate committees to conduct an inquiry, in aid of legislation, into the effects of excessive screen time and exposure to harmful online content on the mental health, safety, moral development, and overall well-being of minors.

The proposed investigation will also examine whether the increasing involvement of children in violent incidents, cyber-related offenses, and other harmful behaviors may be linked to social media use.

Sotto said that while digital platforms have opened more opportunities for learning, communication, and creativity, they have also exposed children to cyberbullying, online sexual exploitation, grooming, self-harm content, misinformation, and gambling-related materials.

He also cited studies showing that excessive screen time among children and adolescents is associated with higher rates of anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and other mental health concerns.

The resolution noted that several countries, including Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Portugal, have already imposed restrictions on minors’ access to social media, while others are considering similar policies.

However, Sotto stressed that before adopting measures such as a social media ban, Congress should first undertake a comprehensive review of existing Philippine laws, the actual patterns of social media use among Filipino children, and the government’s capacity to implement and enforce any future regulations.

The proposed inquiry, the resolution said, aims to help lawmakers strike a balance between children’s access to technology and information and the State’s constitutional duty to protect their welfare and development.