Insider Spotlight
The technology giant has partnered with the Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Information and Communications Technology-Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (DICT-CICC), National Youth Commission and other stakeholders for Digital Dialogue In Real Life: Safety Starts with Conversation.
Why it matters
The initiative combines digital literacy, parental guidance and platform safeguards to address online risks facing young Filipinos. Running from Oct. 26 to 30 at Ayala Malls Glorietta Activity Center, the free exhibition features interactive booths and practical resources covering online threats, privacy settings and reporting mechanisms.
The initiative builds on Meta's Screen Smart Philippines campaign launched in June, the company said in an Oct. 26 release. Meta Philippines head of public policy Gio Tingson emphasized the importance of combining technological safeguards with family conversations.
“Technology and safety settings go hand-in-hand with open conversations and guidance from trusted adults,” Tingson said.
The safeguards
Meta's Teen Accounts across Instagram, Facebook, Messenger and Threads incorporate default privacy settings, messaging restrictions, sensitive-content limits and daily 60-minute usage reminders. A Sleep Mode also silences notifications between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., while parental permission is required to relax certain protections.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara stressed that adults must extend the same level of protection to children online as they do in physical environments.
“Kung ano iyong ingat natin sa mga anak natin na pumunta sa playground o kaya sa lansangan, pumunta sa mall, dapat yun din ang ingat natin sa mga anak natin habang sila'y online.” (We should exercise the same level of care for our children when they are online as we do when they go to playgrounds, walk along the streets or visit malls.)
Beyond awareness
DICT-CICC executive director Renato “Aboy” Paraiso highlighted the importance of accessible reporting channels for young people experiencing online abuse or exploitation. Stairway Foundation child protection specialist Ace Diloy likewise emphasized stronger coordination among government agencies, technology platforms, families and communities.
The broader initiative seeks to translate digital safety awareness into practical action, equipping families with the knowledge and resources to recognize threats, seek assistance and promote safer online experiences. — Princess Daisy C. Ominga | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
