Philippine lower house approves bill restricting minors' social media access

By the Editorial Team · Tuesday, October 13, 2026

The Philippine House of Representatives has advanced a bill to prohibit social media access for children under 13 years old, aiming to protect minors from harmful online content and mental health risks. If passed, the law would require platforms to verify users' ages, aligning the Philippines with other countries implementing similar youth protection measures.

The Philippine House of Representatives advanced legislation intended to restrict social media access for children under the age of 13, marking a significant move in the country’s efforts to address concerns about the impact of digital platforms on minors. The measure, approved on Monday, aligns with similar initiatives in countries such as Greece, Portugal, Australia, Malaysia, and Indonesia, which have introduced regulations to limit social media use among young users.

The proposed law aims to protect the mental health and safety of children by barring those under 13 from accessing social media platforms. This development follows the recent endorsement of a comparable bill by the Philippine Senate, suggesting increasing legislative consensus on the issue.

Growing international concern about the effects of social media on minors has prompted governments worldwide to consider or implement stricter controls. Proponents of the bill in the Philippines argue that such restrictions are necessary to safeguard children from exposure to harmful content and to reduce risks associated with excessive screen time, cyberbullying, and data privacy violations.

Critics, however, caution that enforcing age-based restrictions online can be challenging due to difficulties verifying users’ ages and the potential for driving minors to use unregulated or less secure platforms. They also stress the importance of comprehensive digital literacy education alongside regulatory measures.

If enacted, the law would require social media companies operating in the Philippines to implement mechanisms for verifying users’ ages and blocking access to younger users. The legislation reflects a broader global trend of balancing technological innovation and digital freedom with child protection concerns.

As the proposal moves through the remaining legislative processes, stakeholders from government, industry, and civil society are expected to continue deliberating on its practical implications and effectiveness in addressing the complex issue of minors’ social media use.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.