Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri on Tuesday, June 23, expressed support for a serious discussion on banning or strictly limiting social media access for young children following the fatal school shooting in Tacloban City.

In a statement, Zubiri said the tragedy should prompt authorities and lawmakers to confront what he described as the growing influence of social media on children.

“This tragedy should push us to confront a hard truth: matindi na ang influence ng social media sa mga bata (social media has heavy influence on children),” Zubiri said.

He noted that exposure to violent content, online threats, dangerous trends, and hateful behavior could shape the thinking of young users and encourage actions that should never be considered.

“That is why I support a serious discussion on banning or strictly limiting social media access for young children,” he said.

Zubiri stressed the need for closer monitoring of children's online activities, arguing that minors are highly susceptible to the content they see, read, and watch on social media platforms.

The senator pointed to a pending measure in the Senate, the Social Media Safety for Children Act, which seeks to prohibit children below the age of 16 from registering, accessing, or maintaining social media accounts.

According to Zubiri, the proposal is consistent with efforts being pursued in other countries to strengthen online protections for minors.

He cited Australia, which has adopted a ban on social media access for children under 16, as well as moves in the United Kingdom, France, Denmark, Greece, Spain, Malaysia, and the United Arab Emirates toward stricter age limits, age-verification requirements, and stronger safeguards for children online.

Meanwhile, he also stated exploring the possibility of amending the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act and study whether minors as young as 14 who commit heinous crimes such as murder, rape and similar grave offenses should be tried as adults, with due process, discernment and rehabilitation still properly considered.

At the same time, the security issues raised by the Tacloban shooting must be addressed.

Zubiri also said this is an issue of funding for security personnel, equipment, training, inspection systems, or proper screening measures; then Congress, through the Senate, can deliberate on the necessary support to help make schools safer. Dapat ay may maayos na bag inspection sa entrances, not only for students but also for school personnel, visitors, and everyone entering school premises, with respect and dignity observed at all times.

"My prayers are with the families of the victims as they seek comfort, justice and peace," he said.