FORMER Education Commissioner Rita A. Sablan, EdD, on Monday shared some of the latest research findings about digital technology and its positive and negative effects on a child.
She was among the guest speakers at the 2023 Green Meadow School Parents Summit held at Saipan World Resort’s Royal Taga Hall on Monday.
In her remarks, Sablan also urged parents to go to the website of the American Academy of Pediatrics which she said is a great resource for parents.
She added that parents should get involved in providing their children access to digital technology.
Quoting the American Academy of Pediatrics, Sablan said digital technology equips children with technical skills that they can use in the real world. It also helps and enhances the learning process as well as the productivity of a child’s mind.
However, she said, digital technology may also increase a child’s laziness and decrease his or her social skills. It can have a disruptive impact on the learning process, and may result in health issues because it prevents a child from taking part in physical activities.
Sablan likewise mentioned digital dementia, a term coined by neuroscientist Manfred Spitzer.
Spitzer believes that overuse of digital technology could result in the breakdown of cognitive function. One’s short-term memory, for example, could deteriorate from underuse.
Sablan shared the following tips with parents: limit a child’s screen time preferably to two hours a day; encourage your children to use their heads instead of relying on digital devices; help them learn a new language; perform brain-based postural exercises with them; and read a “real” book — not a Kindle — with them.
Quoting the American Academy of Pediatrics, Sablan said, “Media and digital devices are an integral part of our world today. The benefits of these devices, if used moderately and appropriately, can be great. But research has [also] shown that face-to-face time with family, friends, and teachers plays a pivotal and even more important role in promoting children’s learning and healthy development.”
Honored
GMS Principal Milagros M. Songcuan, in her remarks, expressed appreciation for the presence of Sablan and the other presenters: Maria Olopai, family and youth enhancement program coordinator of the Division of Youth Services, discussed DYS programs; Beylul Solomon, associate professor at Northern Marianas College, talked about academic and mental health outcomes in the CNMI; and Dr. Tai Doram, a behavior specialist, tackled social and emotional health issues.
Songcuan said the GMS family was very fortunate and honored to have keynote speakers who are “happy to share their expertise, experience and guidance.”
From left, Green Meadow School President Glenn Songcuan, Northern Marianas College Associate Professor Dr. Beylul Solomon, Division of Youth Services Family and Youth Enhancement Program Coordinator Maria Olopai, former Education Commissioner Dr. Rita A. Sablan, GMS Principal Milagros Songcuan and GMS Chairman of the Board Saturnino Songcuan pose for a photo during the GMS Parents Summit at the Saipan World Resort’s Royal Taga Hall on Monday.
Former Education Commissioner Rita A. Sablan discusses digital technology during the GMS Parents Summit at the Saipan World Resort’s Royal Taga Hall on Monday.
