A new measure has been filed in the House of Representatives aiming to prohibit Filipinos aged 16 and below from using social media platforms.

According to a report by RH Milky Rigonan, CIBAC Party-list Representative Eddie Villanueva filed House Bill No. 8262, titled the “Social Media Protection for Minors Act,” on March 3. The proposed law would ban minors from creating, maintaining, or accessing accounts on platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, X, and YouTube.

The prohibition applies whether access is direct, indirect, or through third-party tools.

“Protecting minors from unfiltered and harmful social media exposure is a moral and national responsibility,” Villanueva said.

He added that the unchecked impact of social media on youth “poses long-term risks not only to individual well-being but also to social cohesion and civic life.”

The bill also mandates that parents and guardians exercise reasonable supervision to ensure that children under 16 under their care do not access social media in violation of the law.

Under the bill, social media platforms would be required to actively identify and remove accounts likely operated by minors and submit periodic transparency reports on their compliance.

Villanueva cited global concerns over social media’s effects on mental health, developmental well-being, and safety of children.

He noted that countries including Australia, Spain, and France have already implemented landmark restrictions on social media use by minors, and Indonesia is set to follow suit.

“Importantly, this bill avoids simplistic or punitive approaches. Poorly designed restrictions may unintentionally push minors toward less regulated and more dangerous online spaces,” the bill reads. It also emphasizes digital literacy, school engagement, and parental guidance as complementary measures to safeguard children online.

The lawmaker urged the swift passage of the bill, citing risks such as algorithm-driven addiction, exposure to violent or sexual content, and online exploitation.