Senator Bam Aquino, Chair of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, opposed proposals for a blanket ban or total prohibition on video games, saying such a measure is not an effective solution to concerns linked to school safety.

In a statement posted on his official Facebook page, Aquino stressed that stricter enforcement of existing age restrictions—not outright bans—should be the focus of policymakers.

“Hindi solusyon ang blanket ban sa video games. Ang dapat pagtuunan ng pansin ay ang mahigpit na pagpapatupad ng age restrictions,” Aquino said.

He added that video games, like films and other digital content, include materials that are not suitable for minors and should be regulated accordingly.

“May mga video game na hindi talaga angkop para sa mga bata… kaya ang mas mahalagang tanong ay kung paano natin matitiyak na mahigpit na naipatutupad ang mga umiiral na age restrictions,” he said.

Aquino also emphasized the role of parents in guiding children’s online activity, as well as the responsibility of game developers to protect users from harmful content and potential online threats.

He noted that studies have not established a direct link between video games and school shootings, pointing out that video games have existed for more than 50 years and are often wrongly blamed after such incidents.

“Banning video games in general or as a whole, I don't think that's a good solution… if you really drill down... it will go down to age restriction na meron naman na talaga,” Aquino said in a podcast interview.

Alongside his position on video games, Aquino is also pushing a version of the School Safety Act, which proposes expanded CCTV coverage in schools, increased security personnel, and regular parent-teacher consultations to address safety concerns in educational institutions.