Protecting Children from the Digital Dangers of Social Media: A Call for Stronger Privacy Laws in the Philippines
In a study, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) revealed how social media and video streaming companies—like Meta, YouTube, TikTok, and others—gather and profit from enormous volumes of personal data, including minors, without providing appropriate privacy protections. The physical and mental health of young people is seriously jeopardized by this data-driven economic model, which exposes them to inappropriate information, exploitation, and privacy abuses. Child welfare advocates are urging Congress to pass COPPA 2.0 and the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) to protect minors from these dangers. The White House and U.S. Surgeon General are also taking steps to address the mental health impact of social media on youth.
Editor’s Note: The normalization of phone use among children in the Philippines mirrors the global trends of data-driven exploitation by tech companies, often resulting in addictive behaviors. Studies show that prolonged screen time among Filipino children is linked to decreased social interaction, academic performance issues, and heightened anxiety. A 2023 report from DataReportal highlights the growing digital presence of Filipino children, with widespread smartphone and internet access. The report shows that platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok have significant user bases, including younger demographics. This increased access poses risks, such as exposure to inappropriate content and cyberbullying.
Because of the nation’s rapid internet adoption and lack of privacy laws and parental safeguards, Filipino youngsters are particularly vulnerable to this predatory scheme. This emphasizes how urgently the Philippines needs to enact stronger data privacy legislation and implement educational reforms to lessen the risks associated with early and unrestrained smartphone use. [See also: Stifling Creativity: The Impact of Modern Education and Early Gadget Use on Society, Philippines Turn to Online Learning to Improve PISA Scores: What Could Go Wrong?, Educators in Exodus: The Philippines Faces a Teacher Crisis, Unplugging for Health: Reverse Mental Health Decline in Gen Z, TikTok’s Hidden Dangers: AI and Children’s Safety]
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Parents should take their role of controlling the use of cellphones and internet by their children or else Congress will pass laws where you need to log in your personal identity before you can go online. The government will ask to sacrifice our privacy again in exchange for protection against digital dangers. The late CEO of Apple, Steve Jobs said he never gives cellphones to his children.