THE COUNCIL for the Welfare of Children (CWC) is working closely with major technology companies to promote a “safe-by-design” approach to digital platforms, ensuring that online applications automatically provide stronger protections for children.

CWC Executive Director Undersecretary Angelo Tapales said relying solely on optional child-friendly settings is no longer sufficient to safeguard minors in today’s increasingly digital environment.

According to Tapales, online platforms must integrate safety measures directly into their systems rather than placing the burden on parents and children to manually configure security settings.

“We are collaborating with social media and gaming platforms to ensure there are features designed specifically for children across different age brackets to make their accounts safe,” he said, noting that protections should be tailored to the developmental needs of various age groups.

He pointed out that many families still find online safety tools difficult to understand and use, leaving children vulnerable to risks such as cyberbullying, online exploitation, and harmful digital content.

“The safety of children on the internet should not depend on the ability of parents and children to navigate your platform,” Tapales said, stressing that digital services must be designed with built-in safeguards, particularly for users with limited technological knowledge.

Under the proposed approach, applications would automatically activate age-appropriate protections for minors without requiring users to manually adjust settings.

While advocating for systemic reforms among technology companies, Tapales also called on parents and guardians to improve their digital literacy, emphasizing that informed adults play a critical role in protecting children online.

He said avoiding or disengaging from digital platforms is no longer a practical option as children spend more time online for learning, communication, and entertainment.

“If adults remain uninformed, it becomes increasingly difficult to protect the next generation,” he said, underscoring the importance of active parental guidance and supervision.

Tapales also reminded the public that children should not only be regarded as the nation’s future but as an important part of its present.

“We always say children are the future, but we often forget they are also our present hope,” he said.

The CWC stressed that strengthening child welfare and digital safety requires a shared commitment among government agencies, technology companies, parents, educators, and communities, particularly as the country prepares for the opening of a new school year.