Solon Urges Swift Action on Child Social Media Safeguards

BANGA, South Cotabato — Senior Deputy Speaker Ferdinand Hernandez is urging for faster congressional action on proposed restrictions on children’s social media use. The call comes in the wake of the deadly shooting incident at Banga National High School on September 18, which Hernandez, representing South Cotabato’s second district, said highlighted concerns over young people’s exposure to potentially harmful online content. Hernandez stated that the tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the risks children face online. He emphasized the need to limit access to violent content and information that could psychologically impact young users, which can easily spread through social media platforms. The Philippines has seen a rapid increase in internet usage among its youth, particularly the widespread adoption of social media. This trend has been accompanied by a rise in issues such as cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate content, and online scams. While the government has been working on legislation and awareness campaigns to protect children online, the pace of technological advancement and user growth often outstrips these efforts. Hernandez’s proposal underscores the importance of implementing more effective measures sooner rather than later, given the current landscape. Discussions may involve strengthening the responsibilities of social media platforms and enhancing educational programs in collaboration with parents and educational institutions.