Social media platform TikTok is strengthening its youth safety efforts in the Philippines through a new partnership with Plan International Pilipinas, bringing Filipino teens directly into conversations on digital wellbeing and online protection.
The collaboration expands TikTok’s #ThinkTwice Troop initiative, a youth advocacy program aimed at promoting digital literacy, responsible content creation, and safer online engagement among young users.
First teen members join #ThinkTwice Troop
Plan International Pilipinas Youth Advocates and first teen members of TikTok’s “ThinkTwice” Troop: Rinoa, Shantel, Marianne, and Kathleen
In celebration of National Women’s Month, four youth advocates — Rinoa, Shantel, Marianne, and Kathleen — were introduced as the first teen members of the program, representing various initiatives under Plan International Pilipinas.
Their inclusion signals a shift toward youth-led participation in platform safety advocacy, with teens contributing insights based on their lived experiences navigating online spaces.
“We have always placed safety at the core of everything we do,” said Yves Gonzalez. “Working with Plan International Pilipinas allows us to engage young people more directly and help them navigate digital spaces with confidence.”
Teens highlight importance of digital literacy, safe tools
During a youth panel discussion, the teen advocates shared that access to clear safety tools and privacy features helps them feel more confident participating in online communities.
They described platforms like TikTok as spaces for creativity, learning, and connection — provided that young users are properly guided on responsible digital behavior.
Marianne emphasized the need for teen-friendly policies and accessible safety features, underscoring the importance of involving young users in shaping platform governance.
Women, leadership, and representation in tech
Photo shows (from left:) Pebbles Sanchez-Ogang, Executive Director of Plan International Pilipinas; Irish Almeida, Chief Privacy Officer of Globe Telecom, and Lyqa Maravilla, Licensed Professional
Teacher and Creator.
A separate panel discussion featured Pebbles Sanchez-Ogang alongside industry and creator voices, focusing on the role of women in technology, digital policy, and content creation.
Speakers highlighted how gender-inclusive representation in digital spaces is key to building safer and more equitable online environments for young users.
“Girls and young people must be at the center of conversations shaping digital spaces,” Sanchez-Ogang said, emphasizing the importance of equipping them with skills and confidence to navigate the online world safely.
Building safer digital ecosystems through collaboration
The event also included a content creation workshop led by creator Gia Abao (@gianna.abao), where participants explored how to use digital platforms to support advocacy and self-expression.
The partnership between TikTok and Plan International Pilipinas forms part of broader efforts to strengthen online safety frameworks through collaboration between platforms, civil society groups, educators, and other stakeholders.
As digital participation among Filipino teens continues to grow, initiatives like #ThinkTwice Troop highlight a broader shift toward inclusive, youth-informed approaches to online safety and digital citizenship.
