SENATOR Camille Villar is calling on the Senate to investigate the growing mental health crisis in the Philippines, with a focus on children and adolescents increasingly vulnerable to depression, anxiety, and suicide.

In Senate Resolution No. 99, Villar noted that despite the passage of landmark measures such as the Mental Health Act of 2018 and the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act, Filipino children continue to face alarming levels of psychological distress, often worsened by cyberbullying, academic pressure, and excessive social media use.

Data from the Department of Health show that at least 10–15% of Filipino children aged 5 to 15 suffer from mental health issues, while nearly 17% of adolescents have attempted suicide at least once. From January to June 2025 alone, the Philippine National Police recorded nearly 2,000 deaths by suicide, some linked to bullying both in person and online.

“The rising number of young Filipinos battling depression and anxiety highlights an urgent need for stronger interventions, accessible services, and nationwide awareness campaigns,” Villar said.

Experts warn that access to mental health care remains severely limited, with fewer than one mental health professional available for every 100,000 Filipinos. This shortage leaves many children—particularly in underserved communities—without the support and treatment they need.

Villar also cautioned against the long-term consequences of neglecting children’s mental health, citing studies that show untreated conditions in childhood often persist into adulthood, leading to lost educational opportunities, impaired social development, and higher risks of substance abuse.

She stressed the need for a whole-of-society approach, involving schools, local governments, health institutions, civil society, and families, to provide safe spaces, timely interventions, and sustained support for children and adolescents.