Experts urge parents to limit TV viewing of young children
Psychologist Dr. Diana Ortiz talks on milestones in
the growth of zero to six children. Seated as
panelists are CWC Executive Director Lina Laigo;
DSWD Regional Director Teresita S. Rosales; Mayor
June Mondejar of New Lucena, Iloilo; Nutritionist
Marilyn Tumilba of Department of Health; and
Dr. Elsa Consebit of Department of Education.
"Do not make television as a substitute caregiver. Do not leave young children watching television because this is one main cause of addiction to video games."
This was stressed by Dr. Japhet Gensaya-Fernandez De Leon during the recently conducted Social Welfare and Development (SWD) Forum entitled, "I had the First Glimpse of the World Feeling Secured because You are Taking Care of my Future at Emilion Function Center." The forum, headed by DSWD OIC-Regional Director Teresita S. Rosales, was aimed at motivating Local Social Workers, Non-Government Organizations and other organizations to be more motivated in making a little difference in the lives of our children.
A pool of experts on dealing with 0-6 children was invited. Along with Gensaya were Ruth Estrelita Marayag of the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC); Estela Paredes from National Economic Development Authority (NEDA); former DSWD Secretary and now CWC Executive Director Lina Laigo; Dr. Diana Ortiz, a Psychologist; Mayor June Mondejar, from a child-friendly municipality; Dr. Elsa Consebit from Department of Education; and Marilyn Tumilba from Department of Health.
Gensaya said that watching CDs and television shows specially intended for children is allowed for as long as TV time does not exceed two hours. Beyond two hours could later result to addiction in computer games instead of giving attention to their studies, she said.
Gensaya also said that stimulation should be started from pregnancy. This can be done by singing to the baby, telling them that they are loved, expose them to music, massage them and stimulate their eyesight even after birth with red-black-white color patterns.
For her part, Laigo stressed that parents should grab the opportunity of stimulating their children the earliest possible time. "We should look at the brains as if we are architects. Genes provide the substrate for the development of the brain but after birth, nurture is the dominant force. There is a constant pruning of circuits that are not used," she said.
(dswd6/mcastillo)