Deputy House Speaker and Misamis Oriental 2nd District Rep. Yevgeny Vincente Emano has filed a bill that seeks to regulate minors’ access to social media platforms and strengthen online protection for children.

Emano filed House Bill 8794, also known as the “Social Media Regulation and Protection Act,” to protect children from any forms of online abuse and exploitation.

Under the proposed bill, social media platforms are mandated to implement age-verification mechanisms.

The bill said individuals 13 years old and below would be required to secure parental consent before they can create or manage social media accounts.

The measure also wants to ensure compliance with the Data Privacy Act of 2012 and other applicable child protection laws.

It also wants to empower the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), in coordination with the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), to set standards, accredit verification systems, and enforce compliance.

Emano said the measure also aims to promote digital literacy and awareness program across the country to strengthen parental guidance and responsible online engagement.

Emano emphasized that the legislative measure is part of the efforts to protect children, saying that minor users are becoming more vulnerable to online risks such as cyberbullying, sexual exploitation, privacy violations, and other forms of digital abuse.

He added that these digital risks have been linked to serious consequences, including self-harm and other violent behaviors among children and adolescents.

“This measure does not seek to unduly restrict freedom of expression or access to information. Rather, it ensures that online platforms adopt age-appropriate design and responsible data practices consistent with the State’s constitutional mandate to protect the youth and promote their holistic development,” Emano said.

“The bill balances child protection, privacy rights, innovation, and regulatory proportionality,” he added.

AUSTRALIA POLICY

In Australia, children under 16 years old are banned on social media, according to a report by GMA News Online.

Reports said the landmark law passed in November 2024 forces major social media platforms to block minors younger than 16, and that companies that fail to comply could face penalties of up of up to A$49.5 million ($32.8 million).

Other countries and tech companies are also taking steps to regulate access to social media.