A leading pediatrician in Bohol has cautioned parents about the dangers of excessive gadget use among children, recommending strict time limits and stressing the importance of face-to-face interaction for healthy development.
Dr.RiaMaslog advised parents to limit screen time to 30 minutes to one hour daily for children aged five and older, while warning against any gadget use for younger children during an interview with broadcast journalist ArdyAraneta-Batoy of DYTR.
“Excessive gadget use may result in less time to socialize or interact with other people,” Maslog said, explaining that direct interactions help children develop communication skills, build social relationships and form community connections.
The pediatrician’s warnings come amid growing global concern about rising screen time among children, particularly following increased digital device usage during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends avoiding screens entirely for children under 18 months, except for video chatting, and limiting screen time to high-quality programming for children aged 18-24 months.
Maslog suggested parents establish regular reading sessions with their children, particularly before bedtime, to create positive bonding experiences children can anticipate.
Beyond screen time concerns, the pediatrician cited the critical role of proper nutrition in child development, noting that adequate micronutrients are essential for maintaining children’s health and achieving optimal height and weight for their age.
“A child who is malnourished takes in fewer of the right nutrients to keep the body well nourished,” she explained.
Maslog also stressed the importance of physical activity for children, saying exercise promotes proper muscle and bone function while strengthening the body overall.
She encouraged parents to involve children in sports and various physical activities.
According to the World Health Organization, childhood obesity has nearly tripled worldwide since 1975, with sedentary behavior and poor nutrition being major contributing factors.
The pediatrician cited vaccination as a crucial protection measure, noting that while private medical facilities may charge for immunizations, the government provides free vaccines for infants and young children.
“Vaccines help to protect or lower risks associated with infectious diseases,” Maslog said, adding that common side effects like fever and pain are temporary and indicate the vaccine is working effectively.
She also stressed adequate sleep as fundamental for child health, recommending 10-14 hours nightly for young children and warning that excessive gadget use often interferes with proper rest.
“Sleep allows the brain time to rest,” she noted, expressing concern that many children sacrifice sleep time for screen-based activities.
The guidance aligns with growing international efforts to address what health experts term “digital wellness” challenges among children, as parents worldwide grapple with balancing technology benefits and potential developmental risks.