Child Rights Advocates Voice Concerns Over Online Safety Bill

MANILA, Philippines — Children’s rights advocates on Thursday welcomed the House of Representatives’ approval of the substitute bill for the Children’s Social Media and Online Gaming Safety Act but raised concerns over provisions requiring parental consent for children to access social media and restricting short-form videos. The House Committee on Welfare of Children approved the measure on Thursday, which aims to strengthen the protection of children in the online space. Key provisions include requiring explicit parental consent for children to access social media platforms and potential restrictions on short-form video content. Advocates argue that these measures could unduly limit children's freedom of expression and access to information. They are particularly concerned that cumbersome or technically difficult parental consent processes might prevent children from accessing legitimate information and educational content. Furthermore, they note that short-form videos have become a primary means of information gathering and communication for young people, and excessive restrictions could hinder their social participation. With the proliferation of the internet, issues such as child exploitation, cyberbullying, and exposure to inappropriate content have become increasingly serious in the Philippines. The government is pursuing legislative measures to address these challenges, but striking a balance between protecting children's rights and ensuring their safety remains a subject of ongoing debate. Source: Inquirer NewsInfo