Philippine lower house approves bill restricting minors' social media access
XLC•The Philippine lower house approved a bill banning children under 13 from accessing social media platforms, following the Senate's endorsement of a similar measure. The chambers must reconcile their bills before a final draft can go to the president for approval.
1. House approves measure
The House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly in favour of restricting minors' access to social media platforms. The lower house bill would ban access for children under 13, while the Senate's version would bar anyone under 18 from creating social media accounts.
2. Bills need reconciliation
The two chambers must reconcile their bills before submitting a final draft for presidential approval. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said he had been studying the Senate bill and warned that a blanket ban could lead children to hide their online activities, leaving them vulnerable to grooming and abuse. The legislation's progress follows three school shootings since June that reignited debate over children's access to social media and online content.
