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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Limit children's use of social media? Palace says good suggestion but must be studied

Limit children's use of social media? Palace says good suggestion but must be studied

Published Feb 18, 2026 04:07 pm
Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro (Betheena Unite)
Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro (Betheena Unite)
Limiting children's use of social media is a good suggestion, but it needs to be studied considering the pros and cons it offers to society, Malacañang said.
"Magandang suggestion po iyan pero kailangang aralin po (That is a good suggestion, but it still needs to be studied)," Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said in a briefing on Wednesday, Feb. 18.
It was brought up after teenage pregnancy was linked to social media use among teens.
Castro noted that while it may be a contributing factor to teenage pregnancy, any such policy must undergo careful study to ensure it is balanced and serves the best interests of the youth.
"Kailangang aralin dahil ang social media naman po ay may positive, may negative na effects sa atin. Kung ito po ay makakatulong sa ating mga kabataan, pag-aaralan po ito para kung anuman ang kanilang maibibigay na suhestiyon ay maaaring maipatupad (It has to be carefully examined because social media has both positive and negative effects on us. If this will help our youth, it will be reviewed so that whatever recommendations they can provide may be implemented)," Castro explained.
The Palace official highlighted ongoing efforts to address the high incidence of teenage pregnancy in the country, citing the implementation of sex education programs and free access to adolescent health services.
“Sinabi ng DOH (Department of Health) na mayroon na silang isinasagawang mga programa ukol sa sex education na naaayon sa batas at naaayon sa ating kultura, at mayroon ding adolescent health services na maaaring puntahan ng ating mga kabataan (The DOH said that they are implementing programs in sex education appropriate to our laws and culture, there are also adolescent health services the youth can access)," Castro said.
According to Castro, adolescent health services are free and accessible at any time for young people seeking medical care and consultations.
She added that parents’ consent for consultation is not required unless medical treatments or prescriptions are recommended.
Aside from DOH, Castro also confirmed ongoing talks with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for their programs that address teenage pregnancy.

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teenage pregnancy social media Claire Castro
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