Kids

Beyond Screens: Idol Kids Judges on Raising Healthier, Happier Children

by Alexa Villano
July 15, 2025

The Idol Kids discuss the times when they play outside of their homes instead of being glued to laptops and phones

There was a time when kids would be outside of their homes to play games like patintero, habulan, or talk with their friends. Nowadays, kids are always inside their homes, watching TV, playing video games, or scrolling through their gadgets.

This topic was recently discussed by Idol Kids judges Juan Karlos, Gary Valenciano, Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, and Angeline Quinto during one of the timeout sessions. During the break, the four shared their insights about the excessive screen timeScreen TimeThe hours a child spends on phones, tablets, TV, and games. Pediatric groups advise little to no screen use for toddlers and limited, high-quality content for older kids, with family kids are experiencing.

The Idol Kids discuss the times when they play outside of their homes instead of being glued to laptops and phones — Photo from idolphilippines

Detached from Reality

Gary Valenciano opened the topic on the observation, citing the important parts of the body.

“Tayo lumaki tayo we have two eyes, ears, lungs, muscles and all. Pero ang mga kabataan ngayon mas ginagamit nila ang thumbs nila sa paglaro,’di ba?” Gary said.

“Mayroon nga akong theory na parang for future evolution. Feeling ko mag-a-adjust ‘yung thumbs ng mga tao, parang mag-iiba. Kasi wala eh, everyone is glued to their phones nowadays,” Juan Karlos added.

Gary then asked his co-judges if they would encourage kids to try out other things or hobbies beyond the phone.

“I feel like yung kids right now, parang they are so detached to the Earth,” Regine replied. “Kasi nung panahon natin pagkatapos ng school – magjojolens, piko…ako umaakyat ako ng puno.”

Regine shared her advice to parents to encourage their kids to play outside.

“ Para sa mga magulang din, encourage ‘nyo yung mga anak ninyo lumabas at maglaro,” she said.

Regine shared that her son Nathan had good eyesight before the pandemic. After the pandemic, Nathan’s vision was up to 700, citing Vitamin D deficiency.

“Gusto ko i-encourage ‘yung mga magulang na sabihin sa mga anak nila na 30 minutes a day, actually ang recommended is about an hour, 45 minutes to about an hour in the morning or kahit afternoon. It’s very good for the health, especially for the eyesight.”

Remember to take time off from gadgets

Although it’s easier said than done, it’s important that parents also take time off from their gadgets to rest their eyes. If they do this, their kids will follow. After all, the best example always comes from the people they see as their role models.