Senator Sherwin Gatchalian is advocating for a ban on social media access for individuals aged 16 and under. This proposal comes as an alternative to discussions surrounding lowering the minimum age of criminal responsibility in the Philippines. Gatchalian believes restricting social media use will protect children from online exploitation and harmful content. He argues that focusing on preventative measures, such as digital safety, is more effective than punitive action through the justice system for young offenders. The senator maintains his opposition to reducing the age at which children can be held criminally liable. He suggests that lowering the age would not address the root causes of juvenile delinquency and could further traumatize vulnerable youth. This stance positions Gatchalian as a proponent of child protection through digital regulation rather than criminalization.