Manila: The Philippines is poised to ban social media and online games for children under 13, with stricter controls imposed on those aged 14 to 17. The Philippine House of Representatives is actively drafting measures aimed at prohibiting children aged 13 and under from using social media platforms and participating in online gaming. Those aged 14 to 17 will face regulated usage, potentially prohibiting access to specific features deemed inappropriate for minors.

According to Thai News Agency, Philippine House of Representatives member Roman Romulo, who chairs the Committee on Basic Education and Culture, announced that the proposal will seek a complete ban on both social media and online gaming platforms for children under 13. For teenagers aged 14 to 17, the initiative will focus on the regulation of usage and the potential banning of certain platform features that might not be suitable for minors.

Additionally, the proposal suggests that social media platforms and online gaming sites operating within the Philippines may need to establish an office or business presence in the country. In the absence of such a presence, the Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT) might mandate the blocking of access to these platforms. A key element of the legislative initiative includes the formation of a classification committee tasked with monitoring and evaluating online games accessible to children and youth.

This legislative proposal remains under parliamentary discussion and has yet to be enacted into law. The relevant committee is slated to resume its review of measures aimed at safeguarding children online in September. Romulo highlighted the importance of parental cooperation, noting that legislation alone may not suffice in regulating online usage by children and youth.