(By Ms. Wilmer Lizza C. Dimaculangan, RGC) In today’s digital age, children are more connected than ever—yet many are silently struggling with fear, anxiety, and emotional disconnection from their parents. Recognizing these growing concerns, the Counseling and Career Development Services, in collaboration with the Primary and Middle School Parent Teacher Councils, launched the parenting seminar titled “Disconnected Connections: How the Online World Shapes Our Children’s Fears and Feelings.” The seminar aimed to help Bedan parents better understand the digital landscape, explore how children navigate social media platforms, and learn how to guide them with wisdom, empathy, and faith. The event was held on February 7, 2026, at St. Maur Hall, Fr. Roberto de Jesus Building.
As children and teenagers increasingly immerse themselves in the digital environment, concerns about healthy digital habits continue to rise. Our guest speaker, Dr. Joan Mae Perez-Rifareal, underscored the importance of setting clear and consistent boundaries that encourage balance and responsible technology use. She discussed the impact of excessive screen time on children’s well-being, including sleep deprivation, poor time management, and unhealthy eating habits. Parents from different generations candidly admitted that they had often provided gadgets without establishing clear guidelines or accountability, especially for younger children. This realization highlighted the urgent need for more intentional and mindful digital parenting. In addition, parental involvement, such as co-viewing, age-appropriate guidance, and open communication, serves as a key protective factor.
The seminar emphasized that fostering healthy digital habits in families begins with open communication between parents and children. By creating a safe space where children can name their emotions and share experiences without fear of judgment, families can better understand one another. Calm and respectful conversations allow parents and children to set mutually agreed-upon rules for gadget use, promoting responsibility rather than resistance. Strengthening these open lines of communication not only reduces excessive online activity but also encourages meaningful family interactions and quality time together. Children in this generation expect their parents to value their independence and be supportive. Therefore, it is important to involve them in creating a family media plan with shared expectations, such as screen-free times and zones, acceptable content and apps, and fair, consistent consequences.
Parents expressed deep appreciation for the CCDS and Parent Teacher Councils’ initiative and shared their desire for more parenting seminars in the future. Furthermore, they recognized the value of continued guidance in navigating the challenges of raising children in a rapidly evolving digital world.
