Globe opposes digital ban on kids

MANILA, Philippines — Telco-to-tech giant Globe Telecom Inc. has opposed legislative proposals that will prevent children 18 years and below from accessing social media, backing calls for targeted regulation rather than a blanket ban.

Globe yesterday threw its support behind Pasig Rep. Roman Romulo’s preference to tighten digital regulation, considering the role of online platforms in recent violent activities involving minors.

Romulo, who chairs the technical working group on proposals for a social media ban on minors, said a ban may be too overwhelming, viewing regulation as more practical.

Globe general counsel Froilan Castelo said keeping children safe online is a shared responsibility among families, schools and platforms. He pointed out the importance of parental guidance on top of digital safeguards.

Castelo believes online platforms are doing their job through safeguards like age authentication, content moderation and reporting mechanisms. Still, he hoped they would keep on improving the safety features of their channels and games to fend off groomers targeting children.

“As we strengthen child protection measures, we must equip them with the skills to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly,” Castelo said.

He echoed the warning aired by the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines that a social media ban may, in effect, push children to explore unregulated spaces.

Sen. Panfilo Lacson has filed a bill banning Filipinos under 18 years from accessing social media, blaming it for the mental health struggles of the youth.

The call to ban social media for children has grown stronger recently because of violent activities involving minors, like the school shooting in Tacloban.

Usually, groomers target children by playing with them on popular games like Roblox and when trust is secured, they move to private channels where the radicalization transpires.

Southeast Asian countries including Indonesia and Malaysia are planning all-out bans on social media for children to curb harmful practices such as cyberbullying and grooming.