Padilla Says Today’s Youth Are ‘Weak’

Sen. Robin Padilla drew mixed reactions after calling today’s generation of young people “weak” during a hearing of the Senate committee on public information and mass media, which he chairs.

“Mga bata ngayon, sad to say, huwag kayong magalit sa akin …Naku maraming mga bata ang magagalit ­siguro pero pasensiya na kayo. You are weak!” ani Padilla sa pagdinig.

Padilla compared today’s youth to those who grew up in the 1980s and 1990s, saying children during his time were used to playing in the streets, going camping, and building friendships face to face.

“Hindi kayo katulad noong panahon namin na hindi kami iyakin. Natuto kami sa kalsada. Natuto kami na huwag umupo, umiyak,” ani Padilla.

He also remarked that the term “depression” was rarely heard when he was young, contrasting it with what he described as the growing number of children today saying, “I’m depressed!”

The senator expressed concern over what he sees as children becoming too dependent on social media and suggested that regulation may be necessary, similar to measures being considered or implemented in other countries.

However, Meta representative Berni Moestafa responded that a total ban may not be necessary, stressing that young people also have the right to access digital platforms. Moestafa said their company aims to ensure children are given proper safeguards while online.

The exchange highlights the ongoing debate in the Senate on youth mental health, digital exposure, and possible regulations for social media use among minors.