The Game Developers Association of the Philippines (GDAP) has called for evidence-based policies to improve child safety online, saying banning video games would not address the broader issues surrounding youth violence following the recent school shooting in Tacloban City.
In a statement signed by Ria Lu, president of GDAP, the organization expressed condolences to the victims and their families while urging policymakers to focus discussions on how children gain access to games intended for adults rather than attributing violent acts solely to video games.
The group noted that gaming in the Philippines is no longer an activity dominated by children, citing industry data showing that about 62.4 million Filipinos play video games and that more than 80% of gamers are adults, with an average age of 36.
GDAP also pointed to internationally recognized age-rating systems such as the ESRB, PEGI, and IARC, which are intended to help parents determine whether a game is appropriate for children.
Addressing concerns linking violent games to violent behavior, the association said existing research does not support a direct causal relationship.
“After more than two decades of international research, the available evidence has not supported that conclusion,” the statement said.
“Youth violence is a complex issue involving many interacting factors, including family environment, bullying, mental health, and social influences.”
Instead, GDAP said the more pressing issue is preventing minors from accessing games intended for adults.
The association said protecting children online requires shared responsibility among game developers, digital platforms, parents, schools, and government agencies.
According to the group, developers should provide accurate age ratings and content warnings, platforms should implement parental controls, moderation tools, and age verification, while parents should actively supervise their children’s digital activities.
Schools, it added, should promote digital citizenship, while government agencies should strengthen public awareness of existing online safety tools.
GDAP said it does not support banning video games as a response to child safety concerns.
“GDAP does not believe that banning games will address the broader issues surrounding child safety online,” the statement said.
Instead, the organization said it supports policies that strengthen digital literacy, improve awareness of age ratings and parental controls, promote responsible gaming, and encourage collaboration among families, educators, government agencies, online platforms, and the gaming industry.
The association said it is prepared to work with government agencies, schools, parents, and digital platforms on programs aimed at helping Filipino children navigate digital spaces safely and responsibly.
“The question before us is not simply whether one game should exist. It is how we create an online environment where every Filipino child can safely learn, play, and grow,” Lu said in the statement.
