Parents, this one's for you.

The House of Representatives approved House Bill 11566, the proposed Safe and Friendly Environment for Kids in Digital Spaces (SAFE KIDS) Act, on third and final reading on Monday, October 12. The vote wasn't even close: 287 in favor, 3 against, no abstentions.

What's in the bill

  • Kids under 13 could not create, hold or use social media accounts

  • Teens aged 13 to under 18 would get restricted access to digital platforms

  • Platforms would have to turn off features that are unsafe for teens, like risky communication tools and features that encourage excessive or compulsive use

  • The rules would cover both social media and gaming platforms

  • A new SAFE KIDS Office under the DICT would lead implementation

  • Platforms that fail to comply would face penalties

"They already do"

Pasig City Rep. Roman Romulo, who co-sponsored the bill and led its technical working group, says the point isn't to keep kids offline completely.

"The concern, therefore, is not whether children should have a place in the digital world. They already do," he said. "The policy question is therefore not simply one of access versus prohibition."

Is it law yet?

Not yet. The Senate has its own version, Senate Bill 2424 or the SMART KIDS Act, and it's stricter: it covers those 18 and under. A bicameral conference committee has to sort out the differences, especially the age cutoff, before the final bill goes to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for signing.

So, under 13 or under 18? That's the big question to watch.