Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

Twentieth Congress
First Regular Session

1878

HOUSE BILL NO.
Introduced by Hon. Alexandria P. Gonzales

EXPLANATORY NOTE

In the 21st century, technology has become an indispensable part of daily life. While digital
platforms offer unprecedented access to knowledge, communication, and entertainment, they
also pose new threats to public mental health—especially among Generations X, Y, Z, and Alpha.

Studies have shown alarming rates of digital addiction, cyberbullying, online fatigue, sleep
disturbances, and increased levels of anxiety and depression linked to excessive screen time
and unregulated use of social media. This calls for a national framework that addresses digital
well-being not merely as a personal responsibility, but as a shared societal mandate.

This bill seeks to institutionalize measures that promote responsible technology use through
education, community involvement, mental health support, and workplace wellness. By
ensuring digital wellness in our schools, homes, and offices, we aim to protect the mental and
emotional health of every Filipino in an increasingly connected world.

Approval of this measure is earnestly sought.

ALEXANDRIA P. GONZALES


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

Twentieth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 18 78

Introduced by Hon. Alexandria P. Gonzales

AN ACT
PROMOTING DIGITAL WELL-BEING AND RESPONSIBLE USE OF TECHNOLOGY,
MANDATING DIGITAL WELLNESS EDUCATION, AND PROVIDING MEASURES FOR THE
PROTECTION OF MENTAL HEALTH IN THE DIGITAL AGE

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Digital Well-being and
Responsible Technology Use Act.”

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to promote and protect the
mental health, emotional resilience, and holistic development of all Filipinos, especially the
youth. In recognition of the growing influence of digital technologies, social media, and
online platforms, the State shall adopt policies to ensure responsible technology use,
safeguard psychological well-being, and cultivate a culture of digital mindfulness, empathy,
and balance.

SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. - For the purposes of this Act, the following terms are defined:

a. Digital Well-being - A state in which digital technologies are used in ways that
‘support mental health, productivity, positive social relationships, and a balanced
lifestyle.

b. Digital Addiction - Excessive and uncontrolled use of digital devices, social media, or
online games to the extent that it interferes with daily life, relationships, and mental
health.

c. Responsible Technology Use - The ethical, mindful, and productive engagement with
digital platforms and tools in a way that upholds individual dignity and societal
values.

SEC. 4. Integration of Digital Wellness in Basic and Higher Education.- The Department
of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) shall:


a. Integrate age-appropriate digital wellness, media literacy, and responsible
technology use in the K to 12 and tertiary curricula;

b. Conduct regular teacher training on digital well-being issues including
cyberbullying, tech fatigue, and digital dependency;

¢. Collaborate with mental health professionals in developing teaching materials and
student wellness programs.

SEC. 5. Workplace Digital Wellness Program. - The Civil Service Commission (CSC) and
the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) shall require public and private
institutions to adopt digital wellness policies, including but not limited to:

a. Guidelines on healthy screen time;

b. Reasonable restrictions on after-hours digital communication;

c. Mental health support services related to digital stress and burnout.
SEC. 6. Youth and Community Engagement. - The Sangguniang Kabataan, in partnership
with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and National
Youth Commission (NYC), shall implement community-based programs that promote:

a. Responsible use of social media;

b. Awareness campaigns on the effects of digital overexposure;

¢. Alternatives to excessive gadget use including sports, arts, and volunteerism.
SEC. 7. Parental and Guardian Support Programs, - The Department of Social Welfare and
Development (DSWD) shall develop parenting workshops and resource materials that
educate parents and guardians about:

a. Digital hygiene practices at home;

b. Setting screen-time boundaries;

c. Recognizing signs of digital dependency in children and adolescents.
SEC. 8. Research and Data Collection. - The Department of Health (DOH) and the
Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), in coordination with academic institutions, shall
conduct nationwide studies on:

a. The psychological and social effects of digital overuse;

b. Prevalence of digital addiction among various age groups;

c. Evidence-based interventions and best practices on digital well-being.


SEC. 9. Funding. - The amount necessary to implement this Act shall be charged against the
current appropriations of concerned agencies and from funds that may be appropriated by
Congress thereafter.

SEC. 10, Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within ninety (90) days from the
effectivity of this Act, the concerned agencies shall promulgate the implementing rules and

regulations necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.

SEC. 11. Separability Clause. - \f any part of this Act is declared unconstitutional, the
remaining provisions shall not be affected.

SEC. 12. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication
in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,