Gatchalian to push social media curbs for minors

Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian —NIÑO JESUS ORBETA

MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian on Sunday renewed his call to ban children aged 16 and below from using social media, saying stronger safeguards against harmful online content should be among Congress’ top priorities following the deadly June 22 shooting in Tacloban City and other reports of school violence.

Two leading medical organizations had also warned against unsupervised use of social media by children, reinforcing concerns on the need to shield minors from harmful online content.

Gatchalian said his proposed Social Media Safety for Children Act (Senate Bill No. 2066) seeks to address one of the factors influencing violent behavior among minors.

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