In this illustration photograph taken on June 18, 2026, in Dubai, a mobile phone displays the logos of social media platforms with a prohibition sign. The United Arab Emirates announced a social media ban for children under 15 on June 18, joining a growing group of countries including Australia, Britain and Canada to take similar measures. —PHOTO BY FADEL SENNA/AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
MANILA, Philippines — Two medical groups warned against the unsupervised use of social media by children aged 16 years old and below, saying that it poses risks to a child’s mental health and development.
In a statement on Facebook on Friday, the Philippine Pediatric Society (PPS) said it does not recommend social media use among children 16 and below. Should they be given access, the group said children should not be allowed to use social media independently.
“Accounts should be comanaged by a parent or guardian, with active supervision, clear boundaries, and age-appropriate guidance, particularly for individuals with developmental and psychosocial vulnerabilities,” it said.
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