I’ve been thinking a lot about screen time lately. Everywhere I look, people — especially kids — are glued to their phones. Even I sometimes catch myself scrolling longer than I planned. It made me wonder: how much is too much?
Some countries are already taking strong action. In Australia, kids aged 15 and below are not allowed to create social media accounts. Other places, including parts of Europe and even the Philippines, are talking about similar rules. The goal is simple: protect young people from harm online.
And honestly, I understand why.
The internet can be a great place. It helps us learn, connect, and share ideas. But it also has risks. Kids can face cyberbullying, false information, addiction, and even exploitation. That’s a heavy burden for young minds still learning how the world works.
Still, I’m not fully convinced banning everything is the best answer.
Technology experts say platforms themselves can create safer spaces. Many already have tools to filter harmful content, especially for children. If these tools improve, maybe kids can enjoy the benefits of the internet without facing the worst dangers.
I think education is just as important as protection.
Teaching kids how to think critically online matters. They need to learn how to spot fake news, avoid risky situations, and manage their screen time. These are life skills now, just like reading and writing.
If we only block access without teaching responsibility, kids might struggle later when they finally gain freedom online.
Another idea that struck me recently comes from the church’s message during Lent. It encourages people to pause, reflect, and sometimes log off. That message isn’t just religious — it’s practical. Taking breaks from screens can help us reconnect with real life.
I’ve tried it myself. When I step away from my phone, I notice things more. Conversations feel deeper. My mind feels calmer. It reminds me that real connection doesn’t happen through a screen alone.
I’m not anti-technology. I use it every day. But I do believe balance matters.
Maybe the goal isn’t total bans or total freedom. Maybe it’s smarter tools, better education, and a culture that values real human connection as much as digital life.
Because at the end of the day, screens are tools — not substitutes for real relationships.
And sometimes, the healthiest thing we can do is simple: pause, look up, and reconnect with the world beyond the screen.
Dominic “Doc” Ligot is one of the leading voices in AI in the Philippines. Doc has been extensively cited in local and global media outlets including The Economist, South China Morning Post, Washington Post, and Agence France Presse. His award-winning work has been recognized and published by prestigious organizations such as NASA, Data.org, Digital Public Goods Alliance, the Group on Earth Observations (GEO), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the World Health Organization (WHO), and UNICEF.
If you need guidance or training in maximizing AI for your career or business, reach out to Doc via https://docligot.com.
