Philippine Legislature Passes Competing Social Media Restriction Bills

The Philippine legislature has passed two separate bills aimed at restricting minors' access to social media to mitigate mental health risks and online abuse. The Senate approved Senate Bill No. 2424, known as the SMART KIDS Act, on October 8, which targets access to high-risk digital services. On October 12, the House of Representatives approved House Bill No. 11566, the Children’s Digital Safety, Protection, and Well-Being Act, which would prohibit children under 13 from creating accounts and mandate safeguards for older minors.

A conference committee was requested on October 12 to reconcile the two versions before the final legislation is sent to President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. While Senator Robin Padilla sponsored the Senate measure, Senator Risa Hontiveros voted against it, advocating instead for a targeted approach for adolescents aged 13 to 18.

Child rights and mental health organizations oppose the proposed restrictions. The Salinlahi Alliance for Children’s Concerns and the Stairway Foundation argue that blanket bans impede children's rights to information and education while failing to address the perpetrators of exploitation. These advocates urge lawmakers to prioritize digital literacy, mental health services, and platform accountability over access restrictions.