New Lifers Urged to Unplug for Mental Wellness

Eight hours and 52 minutes a day.

This was the average daily screen time of Filipino citizens as of January 2025, placing the Philippines third among countries worldwide with the most time spent on their gadgets.

This alarming statistic fueled the talk on Mental Health Awareness by Dr. Paul Lawrence Filomeno for MGC New Life Christian Academy’s junior and senior high school students last October 6, in celebration of Mental Health Emphasis Week.

A pediatrician with a subspeciality in Behavioral Addictions and Substance Use/Abuse, Dr. Filomeno enlightened students about the impacts of excessive screen time on their mental health, and encouraged them to develop habits that promote healthier digital decision-making. 

Throughout the sessions, Filomeno shared strategies to manage gadget use, including eliminating the triggers that urge them to pick up their devices and setting reminders to take regular breaks away from their screens.  The speaker also encouraged students to practice responsible gadget use by setting small, achievable goals, as the first step to leading a healthier lifestyle.

Moreover, the importance of online safety was highlighted as students increasingly rely on social media platforms to communicate with one another. Should students encounter situations involving cyberbullying, Filomeno urged them to avoid further  contact with the cyberbullies and report them to a trusted adult.  He also introduced the acronym “SIFT” (Stop, Investigate, Find, and Trace) to help students identify, assess, and verify the authenticity of the media that they consume.

“We hope that through the talk, our students would be encouraged to take active steps in managing their time online. At the same time, we hope they begin to develop healthier sleeping habits and strive to maintain a balanced routine of rest, nutrition, recreation, and study, ensuring their overall physical and mental well-being,” said Guidance and Testing Center Department Head Daphne Trina Uang.