MANILA, PHILIPPINES – In an era where the digital world increasingly shapes the lives of young people, TikTok – one of the world’s most popular short-form video platforms continues to take proactive steps to ensure its younger users enjoy a safe, creative and empowering online experience. Recently, TikTok hosted a panel discussion aimed at equipping parents with tools and insights to guide their teens in navigating digital spaces responsibly.
Held in the Philippines, the panel featured key voices including Hazel Joy Bitaña, Deputy Regional Executive Director at Child Rights Coalition Asia; Peachy Paderna, Public Policy Manager at TikTok Philippines; and Bea Bautista, Head of Communications for TikTok Philippines. Together, they highlighted the importance of parental involvement in shaping a secure yet expressive online journey for teenagers.
The discussion opened with an exploration of how digital transformation has reshaped family dynamics, parenting methods, and the evolving relationship between parents and children. While digital platforms present unprecedented opportunities for learning and creativity, they also come with unique risks especially for teens navigating them independently.
“Today’s teens actively use platforms like TikTok not only as a source of entertainment but also as a tool for discovery, learning, and creative expression. As this age group becomes more immersed in digital spaces and as we empower them to become responsible digital citizens, it is important to provide parents with tools and resources that will enable them to support their teens,” said Child Rights Coalition Asia Deputy Regional Executive Director, Hazel Bitaña.
“TikTok recognizes that teens are growing up in a digital-first world, and that they deserve special consideration as they begin to explore the online world more independently,” said Peachy Paderna, Public Policy Manager at TikTok. “TikTok’s resources such as the Family Pairing features, Guardian’s Guide, and Teen Safety Center help build trust between parents and teens by offering tools that balance freedom and supervision. They empower young people to explore and express themselves responsibly, with the right guidance in place to ensure age appropriate experiences”.
Launched in 2020, TikTok’s Family Pairing feature continues to evolve, offering a range of functions that support healthy screen habits and safer interactions:
- Time Away allows parents to schedule app-free periods aligned with routines like schoolwork, dinner, or bedtime.
- Visibility on Followers helps parents gain insight into their teen’s social connections by showing who they follow and who follows them.
- Report Alerts offer teens the option to notify a trusted adult when they report inappropriate content.
- Wind Down, designed for users under 16, introduces calming prompts and guided meditations after 10 PM to encourage digital rest and well-being.
Further reinforcing its commitment to digital wellness, TikTok has introduced Smart Keyword Filtering, empowering users to block content containing specific phrases, topics, or hashtags from appearing on their For You Feed. This user-led approach helps tailor the online experience to reflect individual preferences and boundaries.
Complementing this feature is TikTok’s new For You Feed Educational Guide, designed to increase transparency about how the algorithm works and how users can take control of their content experience. These initiatives echo the platform’s #ThinkTwice campaign, which encourages critical thinking around the content users consume and share.
TikTok’s suite of digital wellness tools reflects an evolving understanding of what it means to parent in a digital world. By fostering open communication, offering flexible controls, and championing safety without stifling creativity, TikTok positions itself not just as a platform for content, but as a collaborative partner for families navigating the complexities of modern adolescence.
