By Leonardo Micua
Dagupan SP mulls social media regulation
A Dagupan City councilor is proposing an ordinance to regulate social media usage among minors, citing three recent suicides in the city that he attributes largely to the influence of social media.
During his privileged speech at the February 26 session of the Sangguniang Panglunsod, Councilor Jose Netu Tamayo identified social media as a significant factor in the tragic deaths of three young people from different barangays in Dagupan.
Tamayo noted that many of the suicide cases he is familiar with stem from heartbreak, a situation often worsened by social media interactions.
He believes that the number of recorded suicide incidents across the country has increased now that social media is prevalent.
Three youth councilors, Tala Paras, Danee Canto, and Bradly Benavides, echoed his concerns, highlighting the considerable risks that social media poses to young individuals. Other council members, including Dr. Jalice Cayabyab, Liga ng mga Barangay President Lino Fernandez, Marvin Fabia, Jeslito Seen, and Karlos Reyna, supported this sentiment.
Paras offered the city’s Teen Center and Women Center for counseling to anyone on the verge of depression, where they can receive assistance from a psychologist.
Fernandez and Fabia emphasized the urgent need for effective parenting to guide children and teenagers through their formative years, encouraging them to avoid the negative influences of social media.
Cayabyab announced that the City Health Board, led by Mayor Belen Fernandez, is committed to establishing a 24/7 helpline for those battling depression and in need of support.
She urged families to take action if they observe any signs of depression among their members, stressing the importance of intervention before struggles escalate to suicide. Additionally, she expressed concern that the incidence of suicide seems to be higher among girls and women compared to boys and men.
In response to these issues, Councilor Tamayo is drafting an ordinance to regulate social media access for minors with parental oversight.