TikTok Holds Dialogue with Filipino Teens at Child Rights Coalition Asia’s Yap Sesh on Tech

Filipino teens share insights on digital well-being and platform safetyTikTok reinforced its commitment to online teen safety and meaningful youth participation during Child Rights Coalition Asia’s (CRC Asia) Yap Sesh on Tech: Dialogue between Filipino Teens and the Tech Sector, in partnership with ChorogUsan for Children and ChildFund Philippines.The consultation session featured a presentation on TikTok's teen safety features and an interactive workshop facilitated by educator, content creator, licensed psychometrician, and professional teacher Lyqa Maravilla (@lyqamaravilla).The event brought together around 30 Filipino teens from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, creating a dedicated space for young users to share their lived experiences, insights, and recommendations on online safety, digital well-being, and youth-centered platform design.“There is no finish line in creating a safer digital environment for teens, and it requires continuous listening, collaboration, and shared responsibility,” said Yves Gonzalez, Head of Public Policy for the Philippines at TikTok. “We value opportunities to engage directly with teens through our #ThinkTwice Troop and initiatives like CRC Asia's Yap Sesh on Tech, that allow young people to directly share their insights and perspectives, helping us shape policies, tools, and educational efforts that better support their experience online.”From open dialogues to interactive activities, the sessions reflected how today’s teens are increasingly aware of both the opportunities and risks in digital spaces.Teens shared that digital platforms are widely used for school-related tasks, skills development, entertainment, creative expression, and staying connected with trends, communities, and current events. Short-form content was also cited as a key enabler of accessible learning and awareness-building among young users.They also cited key issues shaping their online experiences, from content moderation and digital well-being to misinformation and platform accountability, highlighting opportunities to further strengthen awareness of TikTok's over 50 preset teen safety features, enhance content moderation systems, and institutionalize digital literacy initiatives.“Yap Sesh on Tech is one of the key initiatives of CRC Asia to uphold meaningful participation of young people to co-create a child-friendly, safe, and inclusive digital environment. We appreciate TikTok's continued partnership and willingness to engage in open conversation with Filipino teens. Listening to the unique experiences and nuanced perspectives of diverse young people across the Philippines is vital to ensuring that their voices drive decisions on the digital platform,” said Amihan Abueva, Regional Executive Director of Child Rights Coalition Asia (CRC Asia).TikTok’s participation in CRC Asia's Yap Sesh on Tech forms part of its broader work in teen safety, emphasizing its commitment to ongoing dialogue with teens and the importance of embedding their rights and perspectives in platform design and safety frameworks.