Social media bans alone won’t protect children – UNICEF

• Courtesy of UNICEF

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has warned that banning minors from social media is unlikely to keep them safe from online grooming, violence and exploitation. The agency called for stronger platform accountability, digital literacy and child protection measures instead of relying solely on age restrictions.

In a statement issued on October 8, UNICEF Philippines said children face dangers that go beyond harmful content, including online sexual abuse, sextortion and technology-facilitated violence.

The warning came amid growing calls to restrict children’s social media access following school shootings and investigations into online networks allegedly grooming and manipulating young people to commit violence.

“Children are being exposed to real harm in digital environments that were not designed with their safety and well-being in mind,” said Kyungsun Kim, UNICEF Representative to the Philippines.

Kim emphasized that protecting children requires making digital platforms safer while strengthening support systems in homes, schools and communities.

Banning access does not eliminate the danger

UNICEF warned that poorly designed social media bans could push children toward less regulated online spaces, where exposure to grooming, exploitation and other threats may become harder for parents and authorities to detect.

The agency also cautioned that restrictions could deprive children of access to educational resources, information and support networks.

According to UNICEF, children primarily use the internet for education and communication with friends, making it necessary to balance protection with their rights to learn, connect and participate online.

UNICEF’s rapid global analysis found that nearly 40 jurisdictions are discussing, proposing, adopting or implementing age-based social media restrictions.

However, age verification remains difficult to enforce without potentially compromising privacy. Children can also circumvent restrictions through borrowed accounts, shared devices or inaccurate personal information.

Hold Big Tech accountable

Rather than focusing exclusively on restricting access, UNICEF urged governments to require technology companies to build child protection into their platforms.

UNICEF called for stronger safeguards against harmful content, dangerous algorithms, addictive design features and questionable data practices.

Technology companies should assess risks before introducing new products and features, strengthen content moderation and provide effective reporting mechanisms for children, parents and caregivers.

Governments, meanwhile, should establish clear safety standards, strengthen regulatory oversight and hold platforms accountable for systemic risks.

UNICEF also emphasized digital literacy, supportive parenting and accessible reporting services to help children and families recognize online threats and seek assistance.

Senate and House push different restrictions

The UNICEF warning comes as Congress moves forward with legislation restricting social media access among minors.

The Senate has endorsed a measure prohibiting individuals below 18 from creating social media accounts, while the House of Representatives approved a separate measure on October 12 restricting access for children below 13.

Both chambers must reconcile their versions before a final measure can be submitted to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Marcos has also expressed concern that blanket restrictions could drive children’s online activities into secrecy, potentially exposing them to grooming and abuse.

UNICEF maintained that any restrictions must be evidence-based and supported by stronger child protection systems.

The agency emphasized that governments, technology companies, parents, communities and children themselves must participate in developing policies that make digital spaces safer without sacrificing access to education, information and opportunities.