It hasn’t been a week since Indonesia announced measures to ban social media access for users under 16. And now CIBAC Rep. Bro. Eddie Villanueva has filed a bill banning social media access for minors under 16 years old.

House Bill No. 8262, or the “Social Media Protection for Minors Act,” seeks to prohibit individuals aged 16 and below from accessing social media platforms in the Philippines.

In a press release, the office of Rep. Villanueva stated that the measure is a response to the escalating global concern over the impact of social media on children’s mental health, safety, and developmental well-being.

“Protecting minors from unfiltered and harmful social media exposure is a moral and national responsibility. The unchecked impact of social media on young people — seen in addiction, exposure to sexual and violent content, exploitation, and identity confusion — poses long-term dangers not only to individual well-being but also to social cohesion and civic life.” Villanueva said.

The bill also seeks to incorporate the complementary roles of parents, schools, and digital platforms, giving emphasis that safeguards must be carefully designed to avoid unintended consequences.

“This measure avoids simplistic or punitive approaches. Overly strict restrictions may drive minors into less regulated online spaces. HB 8262 must be understood as part of a broader protective framework – one that includes digital literacy, school engagement, and parental guidance — to ensure we do not increase vulnerability while attempting to promote safety,” Rep. Villanueva added.

Australia was the first country to announce a ban on social media access late last year. France and Spain have also followed similar social media bans on minors. Last year, Malaysia also announced an intent to impose a social media ban on its minors, but has yet to set a specific implementation date. Unlike Indonesia, which will begin its restrictions on March 28, 2026.