Senator Bam Aquino is calling for stronger online protections for minors while rejecting proposals to completely ban violent video games following recent school violence, saying tighter age restrictions and digital safeguards are needed instead.
Aquino said existing studies do not prove a direct link between video games and violent behavior. He proposed stricter enforcement of age ratings for mature games, similar to movie and television classifications.
“There’s an age restriction on movies and television shows. We need to look at stronger age restrictions pagdating sa violent games,” said Aquino, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Basic Education.
He said minors should not be able to access mature-rated games despite existing classifications and suggested penalties when restrictions are bypassed.
“Kung may mga bata na may access tapos iyong game is rated mature, mali iyon. Dapat may penalties iyon. Either doon sa developer, doon sa bata mismo, o maging sa parents,” Aquino said.
Aquino also raised concerns over chat groups and online communities where minors may encounter violent, extremist or harmful content.
“It’s the chat groups. It’s the lack of controls pagdating sa infiltration ng chat groups,” he said.
He said digital safety efforts should address online spaces where harmful material can spread quickly. Aquino has filed the proposed Digital Safety for Minors Act, which would prohibit children below 15 from accessing social media platforms.
He is also pushing the proposed Comprehensive School Safety Act following shooting incidents in Zamboanga City and Tacloban City. The measure would strengthen campus security through CCTV cameras, security personnel, metal detectors and protocols for checking bags and weapons.
The proposal would also require schools to establish safety frameworks covering actions before, during and after violent incidents.
Aquino said implementing these reforms will ultimately depend on the government’s willingness to provide funding.
“It’s a matter of political will. Kung nais natin mapopondohan ito, mapopondohan natin ito,” he said.
