MANILA, July 7 -- The Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) on Monday expressed support for a proposed bill regulating minors' access to social media, saying it could be a vital step in protecting Filipino youth from online threats, including cyberbullying, scams, and sexual exploitation.

In an interview over Bagong Pilipinas, CWC Executive Director Undersecretary Angelo Tapales said the council welcomes legislative efforts to tighten online safety but urged lawmakers to carefully balance children's right to protection with their right to information and participation.

"Malaki ang maitutulong nitong panukalang batas para protektahan ang mga bata laban sa (This bill would be a big help in protecting children against) cyberbullying, o...