Senator Sotto seeks inquiry into impact of social media on Filipino children

Senate President Pro Tempore Vicente "Tito" Sotto III has filed a resolution seeking a Senate inquiry into the impact of social media on Filipino children, with the aim of identifying measures to better safeguard their digital well-being.

Senate Resolution No. 486 calls on the appropriate Senate committees to examine how excessive screen time and exposure to harmful online content affect the mental health, safety, moral development, and overall well-being of minors.

The proposed inquiry will also explore whether the growing involvement of children in violence, cyber-related offenses, and other harmful behavior may be associated with their use of social media.

In filing the resolution, Sotto noted that while digital technology has created more opportunities for learning, communication, and creativity, it has also increased children's exposure to cyberbullying, online sexual exploitation, grooming, self-harm content, misinformation, and gambling-related materials.

He also cited studies linking excessive screen time among children and adolescents to higher rates of anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and other mental health issues.

The resolution points out that several countries, including Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Portugal, have already imposed restrictions on minors' access to social media, while others are weighing similar policies.

However, Sotto said Congress should first conduct a comprehensive review of existing laws, assess how Filipino children actually use social media, and determine the government's capacity to enforce any future regulations before considering measures such as a social media ban.

According to the resolution, the proposed inquiry aims to help lawmakers strike a balance between children's access to technology and information and the State's constitutional duty to protect their welfare and development.

-Paraluman News