Bong Go urges youth: Health over screens
'We should encourage young people to get outside, play, and participate in sports rather than spend the whole day glued to social media and gadgets.'
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'We should encourage young people to get outside, play, and participate in sports rather than spend the whole day glued to social media and gadgets.'
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Senator Christopher “Bong” Go on Thursday urged young Filipinos to spend more time playing sports and engaging in other meaningful activities instead of being overly immersed in social media and gadgets.
Speaking during a Senate hearing on 20 August, Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, said sports provide young people with a constructive outlet while helping them develop discipline, resilience and other values that extend beyond competition.
“We should encourage young people to get outside, play, and participate in sports rather than spend the whole day glued to social media and gadgets. More time on the court, field, or playground; less time on screens,” Go said.
He cited a suggestion from Mindanaoan Olympic boxer Eumir Marcial of Zamboanga City to encourage greater youth participation in sports.
Go said involvement in sports could help young people develop habits and character traits that would guide them as they grow.
“Sports teach discipline, teamwork, perseverance, and resilience —essential qualities in shaping good character,” he said.
Youth becoming sedentary
Go also raised concerns over the low level of physical activity among adolescents. The World Health Organization has reported that more than 80 percent of school-going adolescents worldwide do not meet recommended levels of physical activity. Children and adolescents are generally encouraged to engage in at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily.
He clarified that encouraging young people to become more physically active does not mean rejecting technology and social media altogether.
“We do not aim to ban technology. Our goal should be to ensure that it is used responsibly and in ways appropriate for our children’s age,” Go said.
Instead, he said families, schools, communities and the government should provide young Filipinos with more opportunities to participate in sports and other productive activities that could keep them engaged and away from harmful influences.
