The Philippine Mental Health Association, Inc. (PMHA) on Friday said a blanket social media ban for children under 18 is not a solution to prevent school shootings and other youth-related violence, calling instead for a comprehensive approach. “A blanket ban is a non-solution to keeping young people safe,” PMHA National Executive Director Carolina Uno-Rayco said in a statement. “Preventing violence requires a comprehensive approach that includes mental health support, safe school environments, responsible online platforms, and early identification and intervention,” she added. PMHA recognized the need to protect young people from harmful online content but said youth-related violence involves multiple factors beyond the digital space. It said social media also provides young people with spaces to connect, learn and express themselves. Instead of a blanket ban, the group called for stronger platform safeguards against harmful content and greater support from families, schools and communities. PMHA also backed efforts to promote online safety by design and improve digital literacy among young people, including teaching them to recognize harmful content and behavior and seek help when needed. The statement came a day after the Senate approved on third and final reading Senate Bill No. 2424, or the Child Online Safety and Protection Act, which would prohibit children younger than 16 from creating or using accounts on age-restricted social media platforms. The renewed push for restrictions followed three separate school shootings in South Cotabato, Ateneo de Zamboanga University and San Jose National High School in Tacloban City over the past three months. Authorities have also raised concerns about the possible role of online platforms and content in the incidents. Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” C. Remulla said initial findings in the Ateneo de Zamboanga University shooting indicated that the student involved may have been influenced by an online game. — Edg Adrian A. Eva