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Gatchalian calls for social media ban for minors

Technews

Gatchalian calls for social media ban for minors

By Ica Hontiveros-Cheng

Over the weekend, Indonesia implemented a social media ban for users under 16.

The following Monday, March 30, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian once again urged the government to consider a similar ban in the country.

“Huwag na nating hayaang lumala pa ang problema bago tayo kumilos (Let's not let the problem get worse before we take action),” Gatchalian said, noting the negative impact of online platforms on the decision-making behavior of minors.

Last Feb. 2, 2026, the PNP rescued minors who were groomed to carry out a school mass shooting.

“The Philippine National Police’s (PNP) thwarting of a teenager’s alleged plan to stage a school attack should serve as a wake-up call. It is alarming that an online gaming community may have influenced these youths, highlighting the dangers of unchecked digital spaces,” Gatchalian said.

Also a cause of concern, as pointed out by Gatchalian, is the current state of the students’ mental health and the need for stronger school-based support systems.

Rep. Villanueva filed a bill on March 10 that would ban social media access for users under 16.

Indonesia is the first Southeast Asian country to enact a social media ban for users under 16. Australia had a similar ban last year.

Related Tags

Social media SOCIAL MEDIA BAN

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