MANILA, Philippines — Senator Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson has filed a measure seeking to regulate the use of social media platforms by minors, citing growing concerns over the negative mental health impacts of excessive online exposure among Filipino youth.

In his proposed measure, Senate Bill titled “An Act Regulating the Use of Social Media Platforms by Minors, Imposing Age Restrictions, Providing Penalties for Violations Thereof, and for Other Purposes,” Lacson said the legislation aims to protect children below 18 years old from the risks of cyberbullying, body image pressures, and online harassment.

Lacson pointed to findings from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), as well as local government data, showing that Filipino children are particularly vulnerable to harmful online content. He also cited that one in three children aged 0 to 18 in the Philippines uses the internet, with 60% of those aged 10 to 17 being active users.

“Taking inspiration from global efforts such as Australia’s policy setting a minimum age limit for social media use, we must establish a framework that promotes safer digital spaces for Filipino children,” he said.

The bill seeks to prohibit minors from accessing or using social media platforms, while requiring providers to implement strict age verification systems, including ID checks and facial recognition. Platforms must also conduct regular audits to detect and remove underage users.

Collected data for verification must adhere to the Data Privacy Act of 2012, and platforms that fail to comply may face administrative, civil, or criminal penalties.

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is designated as the lead implementing agency. Its duties include monitoring platform compliance, investigating violations, issuing takedown orders, and coordinating with agencies such as the NTC, NPC, DepEd, and DSWD.

Under the bill, non-compliant platforms may be fined from P1 million to P20 million, and up to P100,000 per day for ongoing violations. Repeat offenders may also face suspension or revocation of licenses.

Internet service providers may be fined P300,000 to P3 million for failing to execute disabling orders, while third-party verification providers face up to P5 million in penalties for privacy breaches or verification failures.

Lacson emphasized that the legislation is a preventive step to protect children’s mental and emotional well-being amid the rapid digitization of society.