26/06/2026
Children deserve the opportunity to grow, connect, and discover the world, both online and offline, but at a pace that supports their healthy development.
Social media is not inherently harmful. When introduced too early or without guidance, however, it can influence a child's emotional well-being, sleep, attention, relationships, and developing sense of self. As adults, our role is not simply to restrict access, but to teach responsible digital citizenship while creating spaces where children can thrive beyond their screens.
We commend the Philippine Pediatric Society and the Philippine Society for Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics for advocating evidence-informed safeguards that place children's best interests first. Protecting young minds is a shared responsibility among families, educators, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and technology platforms.
The goal is not to keep children away from technology forever. It is to ensure that when they engage with it, they are developmentally ready, supported, and safe.