Senator Camille Villar is seeking stronger safeguards for minors navigating the internet through Senate Bill 185, a proposed law designed to protect children from harmful digital content and online exploitation.
Highlighting the urgency of the measure, Villar warned that the rapid growth of digital platforms has left young users vulnerable to abuse, unsafe content, and privacy breaches. “Children are among the most vulnerable sectors of our society. To fulfill their potential as future nation-builders, we must ensure a safe, secure and age-appropriate online environment,” she stressed.
The bill builds on Republic Act 11930, or the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials Act, and introduces stricter measures such as banning social media accounts for children under 12, enhancing privacy protections, and promoting safe, educational online experiences for minors.
Citing the State’s constitutional duty to shield children from harm, Villar underscored the need for legal frameworks to keep pace with technological changes. “Our children’s exposure to digital platforms must come with equally strong safeguards. This bill is a step toward ensuring their online safety, dignity and well-being,” she said.
Villar urged the immediate passage of the proposal to strengthen the country’s child protection laws in the digital era.
