MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Meta has launched three new educational webtoons for its young users that tackles their privacy and safety online. Done in partnership with National Privacy Commission (NPC), and Child Rights Network (CRN), the webtoons is a part of a larger campaign “Kabataang Digital.”
During the campaign launch, Meta hosted a roundtable discussion with Meta Safety Policy Manager for APAC Malina Enlund, NPC Director Atty. Maria Theresita E. Patula, Child Rights Network Janice Tapil, and youth advocates and creators Janina Vela and Hannah Pangilinan.
“We need to remember that privacy and security go together,” said Malina adding that the series was made in a way to provide the young users with a road map on what to do if they find themselves in similar situations as the characters in it. “It’s very important to build those critical thinking skills and not just what teens need to know.”
Meanwhile, Janina and Hannah each shared their own practices online that gear up their safety including having different passwords, filtering their experiences online, and uninstalling their apps on certain days.
All while appreciating the beauty of social media, Janina stressed the importance of one’s autonomy when using it, “Social media does not control you, you control social media.”
“Knowing that I can take control of my social media is super helpful for me,” shared Hannah who also said that being honest with her followers and utilizing Meta’s functions such as the not interested button help her mental well-being while being a full-time creator.
The webtoons come in three variations: “Get Ready With Me!” focuses on being mindful of what to share, and with whom; “The Cat in the Alley” teaches about boundaries and how to build trust, and; “From URL to IRL” is about the value of protecting personal information.
The series can be accessed here with additional language options underway.
