Angara backs minors’ soc med ban

Education Secretary Sonny Angara voiced support Wednesday for a general ban on minors’ access to social media, provided that educational software and essential messaging platforms remain exempt, as the government moves to enhance campus security following recent deadly school attacks.

“Make a blanket ban but except the useful apps used for learning,” Angara said during an media interview at Bangkal High School in Makati, pointing to educational platforms like Khan Academy as example exemptions.

Angara also highlighted communication tools such as Viber and WhatsApp, noting that legislative restrictions should accommodate applications serving legitimate educational and family communications.

Congress is advancing legislation to restrict online platform access for minors. The Senate passed a bill on third and final reading on 8 October to bar children under 16 from covered digital platforms, while the House of Representatives is considering a separate proposal setting the minimum age limit at 13.

Alongside digital regulations, the Department of Education (DepEd) is expanding physical campus security.

Angara cited that a joint agreement with the Department of the Interior and Local Government will deploy local barangay watchmen, or tanods, to patrol school perimeters, particularly during student arrival and dismissal hours.

The additional watchmen will support schools operating without boundary fences or professional security guards.

DepEd is also conducting routine emergency response drills across public schools. Angara said repeated drills aim to make protective maneuvers instinctive to minimize potential casualties during an active attack.