Kids

Digital Childhood: TikTok’s Role In Safeguarding The Next Generation

by Alexa Villano
July 18, 2025

TikTok Philippines says they’ve been in discussions with parents and advocates on the use of social media among teens and kids

As children spend more time on social media apps like TikTok, the company said that they have rolled out safety measures and guidelines after a senator proposed a bill to restrict social media for kids.

Valuing the safety of children and teens

During a forum TikTok hosted and attended by the media, the company emphasized its commitment to protecting kids online, presenting the tools they’ve worked on with parents, children’s advocates, and educators.

“We have family-pairing tools as well as over 15 tools and resources for parents to take control of their teens’ experience on TikTok,” says Bea Bautista, the company’s Head of Communications. “So when you look at what we are doing in terms of really promoting the safety of teens while empowering them to creatively express themselves, I think you can see that there is a strong commitment to protect teens who are using our platform.”

On top of the tools, Bautista said that they continue to hold dialogues with partners like the Child Rights Coalition Asia, parents, civic society members, and experts to improve the app’s use.

“So there is this overall commitment that is very tangible that TikTok will protect and is committed to protecting the safety of teens online,” Bautista assured.

TikTok Philippines’ Public Policy Manager, Peachy Paderna, says they are aware of the concerns worldwide with children spending more time on social media.

“We understand that there are movements elsewhere around the world that question whether teens belong on social media. Ultimately, what we want to drive home is that we do more than enough to protect the welfare of teens on the platform,” Paderna said.

So far, TikTok has rolled out features like Family Pairing, which includes a wind-down feature to encourage teens to take a break on social media. It has also implemented a Guardian’s Guide and Teen Safety Center.

Safeguarding kids online

The use of social media among kids made headlines recently when a Senator filed a bill inspired by Australia’s model for regulating kids’ access to social media platforms. It aims to put firm restrictions in place for Filipino minors, and more importantly, hold platforms accountable when those restrictions are ignored.

The proposed bill is patterned after Australia’s law, which was passed last year. Under the law, kids under 16 years old are restricted from using Social Media.

Other countries have reportedly been thinking of implementing their own rules for kids using social media. It remains to be seen whether this will work, given that many have been relying online for information and communication with their loved ones abroad.