Metro Manila, Philippines – The Philippine Mental Health Association (PMHA) has opposed a proposed blanket ban on social media for Filipinos under 18, warning that restricting access alone would not address youth violence or the mental health risks associated with online platforms.
The group issued the statement following the Senate approval on third and final reading of a bill seeking to prohibit minors from creating or maintaining accounts on age-restricted social media platforms.
“A blanket ban is a non-solution to keeping young people safe. Preventing violence requires a comprehensive approach that includes mental health support, safe school environments, responsible online platforms, and early identification and intervention,” said PMHA national executive director Carolina Uno-Rayco in a statement.
PMHA acknowledged the need to protect children and teenagers from harmful online content but argued that school shootings and other incidents of youth-related violence cannot be prevented through social media restrictions alone.
The organization said such incidents involve multiple contributing factors that extend beyond the digital environment.
Instead of a blanket prohibition, PMHA called for stronger safeguards against harmful content, greater involvement from families and schools, and improved mental health support for young people.
The group also emphasized that social media can provide opportunities for young people to connect with others, access information, learn and express themselves.
“We support ongoing discussions around promoting online safety by design, and ensuring young people are empowered through support and digital literacy to navigate both online and offline spaces safely,” Uno-Rayco said.
“This includes building healthy digital habits, recognizing harmful content and behavior, and knowing when to seek help,” she added.
The Senate approved Senate Bill 2424, or the Safe Media Access and Responsible Technology for Kids in Digital Spaces (SMART Kids) Act, on Oct. 8 by a vote of 16-1, with Sen. Risa Hontiveros casting the lone dissenting vote.
The measure seeks to prohibit individuals below 18 from creating, maintaining or accessing accounts on age-restricted social media platforms.
It also proposes age-verification requirements and penalties for platforms that fail to comply with child safety regulations.
A separate measure advancing in the House of Representatives takes a different approach.
House Bill 11566, approved on second reading Oct. 6, would prohibit children aged 13 and below from creating social media accounts while allowing teenagers aged 14 to 17 limited access under stricter safeguards.
PMHA maintained that protecting children online should not come at the expense of their opportunities to connect, participate and learn.
