Solon seeks faster action on child social media safeguards

BANGA, South Cotabato — Senior Deputy Speaker Ferdinand Hernandez called for faster congressional action on proposed restrictions on children’s social media use following the deadly shooting at Banga National High School.

Hernandez, who represents South Cotabato’s second district, said the Sept. 18 incident highlighted concerns over young people’s exposure to potentially harmful online content.

“There should be no need for another life to be lost. Unfortunately, it happened yesterday,” Hernandez said in an interview Saturday.

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READ: South Cotabato school shooting kills 3, hurts 6

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He stopped short of linking social media directly to the shooting, saying authorities still needed to establish the circumstances and possible motive behind the attack.

“We don’t know, but the influence can be strong,” Hernandez said. “The student was intelligent, but even intelligent young people can be influenced by things like this. We will have to look deeper into this issue.”

Before the Banga shooting, Hernandez and House Speaker Faustino Dy III had already pushed for legislation aimed at protecting minors online.

Hernandez is among the authors of the consolidated Children’s Social Media and Online Gaming Safety measure, along with Dy and House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander Marcos.

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The measure would prohibit children below 13 from accessing social media. Those aged 13 to 17 would face restrictions on potentially harmful or addictive features, including short-form videos and group chats.

Social media and online gaming platforms accessible in the Philippines would also be required to register in the country and comply with child-safety regulations.

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Hernandez said lawmakers have studied measures adopted in other countries in determining how restrictions should apply to different age groups.

The House approved the measure on third reading on Sept. 8 and transmitted it to the Senate on Sept. 10.

Hernandez also expressed condolences to the victims and their families and said he was ready to coordinate with government agencies to provide assistance.

He urged the public to avoid speculation while investigators establish what happened and to protect the privacy and dignity of the students involved.

“Let us not speculate. Let the proper authorities do their job while we protect the privacy and dignity of the children involved,” he said.

Hernandez also called for tighter school security, measures to keep firearms out of campuses, improved early intervention and better emergency response.

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“Every parent entrusts their child to the school,” he said. “We must do everything we can to make sure they return home safely.” /das