Manila, July 23 -- Senate President Win Gatchalian on Thursday committed to prioritizing legislation barring minors from social media when Congress resumes session, citing the growing international movement to shield children from online harm.

"With France joining the growing number of countries that have banned social media for minors, we can no longer afford to be left behind," Gatchalian said in a statement.

France's parliament approved on July 21 a law prohibiting children below 15 from opening social media accounts beginning Sept. 1, 2026.

Platforms will be given four more months to close existing accounts belonging to underage users and will be required to introduce government-approved age-verification systems.

Australia was th...