SP Gatchalian renews push to ban social media for minors 16 and below

The senator cites links between violent content and youth mental health following the Tacloban school shooting.

Courtesy: Senate of the Philippines

PH also needs to strengthen child rehab facilities

Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian has renewed calls to ban social media for those aged 16 years old and below.

The lawmaker made the remark following the school shooting incident in Tacloban City.

Isa sa mga finile ko dito sa Senado ay ma-ban ang social media sa 16 years old and below, Gatchalian told Super Radyo dzBB.

Initial investigation has linked one of the Grade 9 students involved in the shooting to GoreBox, a mobile game application "which allows players to experiment with various weapons and is known for its graphic depictions of violence."

Marami tayong mga kabataan ang nalululong sa social media at violent games, at marami na ring pag-aaral ang nagsasabi na nakakaimpluwensya ito sa kanilang mental health kaya kung titingnan natin ang cases ng mental health natin sa kabataan ay napakataas, he said.

Gatchalian also noted the need to strengthen the child rehabilitation facility Bahay Pag-asa, as he denounced disinformation that minors committing crimes will not be held liable for their actions.

Ang pinakamahalaga dito ay ang Bahay Pag-asa kasi dito dinadala ang CICL at dito sila tinuturuan at nagkakaroon ng intervention. Ang concept dito dahil nga bata sila pag naturuan ng tamang direction at gabay, magiging productive na miyembro sila ng ating bansa, he said.

Under the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006, a child 15 years of age or under at the time of the commission of the offense shall be exempt from criminal liability. However, the child shall be subject to an intervention program.

A child above 15 but below 18 years old shall also be exempt from criminal liability and subjected to an intervention program, unless he or she acted with discernment.

The law states that the child shall then be subjected to the appropriate proceedings in accordance with the act.

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Via: GMA News Online