Philippine child rights advocates, psychologists, and mental health specialists have warned against a blanket social media ban for people under 18, saying the measure could create new risks without addressing the causes of online harm.
The groups said Thursday that a sweeping ban could push young people toward more dangerous online spaces, restrict access to information and support networks, and leave them less equipped to navigate digital risks.
“A blanket ban is a non-solution to a complex problem,” said Dr. Ver Reyes, executive secretary of the Psychological Association of the Philippines.
“If we want to protect young people, we must address the factors that put them at risk, both online and offline, instead of assuming that cutting off access to social media will make those risks disappear,” said Reyes.
The warning came after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. urged a closer look at the proposed restriction, describing a blanket ban as a “hard question” that requires further study and signaling that he was in no rush to endorse the measure.
The experts said protecting young people requires evidence-based policies that address risks both online and offline rather than sweeping restrictions.
They cited an Australian Broadcasting Corporation article on early evidence from Australia’s under-16 social media restrictions. According to the press release, many young people remained on social media, while some reported frustration and others said they felt relieved from online pressure.
Doreen Murata, digital advocacy co-lead of the Child Rights Network, warned that restrictions intended to protect children could instead drive online risks out of sight.
“A policy meant to protect children must not create new risks or leave them more vulnerable. The blanket ban may simply drive risks out of sight. We need stronger platform safeguards, effective reporting mechanisms, and digital literacy,” Murata said.
Dr. Anthony Grecia, an officer and national trustee of the Philippine Mental Health Association Inc., stressed the need for accessible mental health services and support from parents, schools and communities.
“We cannot solve offline problems by simply banning an online space. Young people and their families need education, guidance, connection, and support systems that help them stay safe and have good mental health. They need support from the community, government and policy makers as well as the developers of the digital environment including social media companies and IT/App developers.” Grecia emphasized.
Ace Diloy, child protection specialist at the Stairway Foundation, called for stronger platform accountability and community-based child protection measures.
“Instead of a blanket ban, policy should maintain the 13-year baseline and mandate age-tiered protections and better age assurance measures. Automatically applying strict privacy, safer-restricted messaging, and content filters tailored to a child’s age builds real safety without cutting off digital access,” said Diloy.
The groups urged policymakers to retain existing age restrictions for children under 13 while strengthening age-appropriate safeguards for older minors.
They called for stronger platform safeguards, effective reporting mechanisms, digital literacy and accessible mental health support instead of a blanket ban.
