Robin Padilla Speaks Out on Youth, Depression, and Social Media
ROBIN PADILLA – The senator shared his thoughts during a Senate hearing about the safety of children on social media, expressing concern about how today’s generation is growing up.
He said that many young people today seem more emotionally sensitive compared to those from older generations. He made it clear that his statement was not meant to insult or hurt anyone, but to share an honest observation. He believes that studies already show how too much time on social media can affect young people, leading to anxiety, sadness, lack of sleep, and low confidence.
He looked back on his childhood in the 1980s and 1990s, when children spent more time playing outside and learning from everyday experiences. He said that during those times, kids became strong by facing problems and learning how to handle challenges on their own. According to him, this helped build strength and courage. He also shared that when he was young, people rarely talked about depression, and the word was not commonly used. Today, he notices that even very young children sometimes say they feel depressed, which shows how much things have changed over time.
The hearing focused on several proposed laws that aim to guide and possibly limit children’s use of social media because of its harmful effects. Padilla explained that if social media platforms are designed to keep people using them for long hours, it may be unfair to expect children to control themselves all the time. He believes that protecting young people online should not be the job of parents alone. Instead, it should be a shared responsibility among families, schools, companies, and the government.
Some technology companies believe that banning minors from using social media may not be the right step for now. Still, Padilla said stronger rules and protections are needed. His main goal, he explained, is to help create a safer online environment where young people can grow up stronger, more confident, and better prepared for the future.
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