Meta has introduced updated safety features for minors across its social media platforms while launching a digital literacy initiative aimed at strengthening online protection for young users in the Philippines.
The rollout was unveiled during a launch event at Fairmont Makati, where the company also introduced its “Screen Smart” program designed to promote safer digital habits and improve awareness of platform protections among parents, educators, and stakeholders.
Meta Asia Pacific head of safety policy Malina Enlund said the updates are part of broader efforts to respond to rising concerns over children’s online safety.
“The initiative responds to growing demand among families, educators, and policymakers for practical approaches to protecting young people online,” Enlund said.
The upgraded safeguards include changes to Instagram Teen Accounts, which automatically apply to users aged 13 to 17 and limit exposure to sensitive content and unwanted interactions.
Under the new system, teen users must approve follower requests before their content becomes visible, while messaging is restricted to accounts they follow or are already connected with. Tagging and mentions are also limited to known contacts.
Parents are also given expanded controls, including the ability to set daily usage limits. A new “sleep mode” feature will mute notifications overnight and send automated replies to incoming messages.
“These revamped settings build on the protections already in Teen Accounts, which are turned on by default automatically for users aged 13-17,” Enlund said, adding that parents can restrict teens under 16 from loosening safety settings.
Meta said the design shift reflects a “proactive approach” by embedding safeguards directly into platform defaults.
“We are giving Filipino parents greater peace of mind that their teens are interacting with age-appropriate content from the moment they log on,” Enlund said.
The launch drew participation from government and civil society stakeholders, including the Department of Information and Communications Technology, the Council for the Welfare of Children, the National Youth Commission, and child protection advocates from the Stairway Foundation.
The Screen Smart program is positioned as a continuing engagement effort that complements earlier government-led initiatives such as the DICT’s Digital Bayanihan Safety Summit, focusing on sustained dialogue around youth online safety and responsible platform use.
The initiative forms part of broader safety reforms by Meta Platforms as digital platforms face increasing pressure to strengthen protections for minors while balancing connectivity and user engagement.
