Children are urging lawmakers to strengthen safety by design on social media platforms instead of focusing on banning their access.
As Congress considers restricting social media access for users under 16 in iterations of the proposed Children’s Safety in Social Media Act, children said platform designers and service providers should instead build stronger protections that reduce risks and prevent harm online.
“We welcome efforts by lawmakers to include a provision on requiring safety by design safeguards in social media platforms. As children today are engaged in online spaces where interactions with strangers are increasingly common, technology companies must ensure their platforms are designed to prevent harm before it occurs, rather than placing the burden of protection mainly on children” said Atty. Alberto T. Muyot, Chief Executive Officer of Save the Children Philippines.
Global Save the Children research on online grooming found 6 in 10 children interact daily with people they do not know online, mostly through social media and online gaming platforms. The study involved 604 children aged 8-18 across seven countries, including the Philippines, highlighting how children are frequently approached online by unknown users, including adults who intentionally seek contact with them.
Save the Children said the proposed policies should focus on requiring technology companies to embed child safety protections directly into platform design, not rely solely on access and content restrictions, reporting mechanisms, or parental supervision.
Safety features[DP1.1][AS1.2] may include automatic private settings for children’s accounts, limits on harmful content through age-appropriate design and filters, reducing interactions with unknown users, and using age-verification tools that protect children’s personal data.
“Children go online to learn, communicate, and express themselves. The law must ensure these digital spaces are safe and age-appropriate while allowing children to participate and engage online without being exposed to any form of harm,” said Atty. Muyot.
The leading child’s rights organization said it’s ready to work with policymakers and stakeholders to ensure that national measures effectively hold technology companies accountable for children’s safety. #
To learn more about how Save the Children Philippines’ programs help protect children offline and online, visit www.savethechildren.org.ph.#
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Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. In the Philippines and around the world, we do whatever it takes – every day and in times of crisis – so children can fulfill their rights to a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn, and protection from harm. With over 100 years of expertise, we are the world’s first and leading independent children’s organization – transforming lives and the future we share.