Metro Manila, Philippines – US tech giant Meta Platforms has rolled out enhanced safety features for teen users in the Philippines, as it partnered with government agencies and child safety groups to promote safer online spaces.
The initiative, launched through the “Screen Smart Philippines” event on Thursday, June 18, grouped stakeholders including the National Youth Commission, Council for the Welfare of Children, and Stairway Foundation.
The program forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen digital literacy and online safety, following the government-led Digital Bayanihan Safety Summit.
At the event, Meta, the company behind social and messaging apps Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Messenger, and Threads, introduced updated safety features for teen accounts on Instagram, including stricter default settings for users aged 13 to 17.
These include private accounts by default, restricted messaging to known contacts, limits on tagging and mentions, and built-in anti-bullying filters. Teens will also receive app time reminders after 60 minutes of use and have “sleep mode” automatically activated overnight.
Meta said the updated system aims to ensure that teens are exposed only to age-appropriate content, similar to material allowed under 13+ movie rating standards.
“Teens should be safe online across all the apps they use, and be free to participate in the digital world,” said Gio Tingson, Meta Philippines head of public policy, adding that the company is embedding protections directly into its platforms.
Government partners welcomed the move, emphasizing the need for a whole-of-society approach to online safety.
“Keeping children safe online is a shared responsibility,” said Council for the Welfare of Children Undersecretary Angelo Tapales, noting the importance of coordination between platforms, communities, and authorities.
NYC Chair Jeff Ortega said the initiative also supports digital literacy efforts among Filipino youth, while child protection advocates highlighted the need for continued guidance and education for teens navigating online spaces.
Meta also introduced improvements to its Family Center, allowing parents to manage safety settings across platforms including Facebook and Messenger in one place.
The company said it will continue working with local partners to expand digital safety programs and tools in the Philippines.
