096 - How Much is Too Much? Signs of Screen Time Overuse in Kids
02/11/25 • 11 min
Are you worried about your child’s screen time? How much is too much?
In this episode of the Discerning Parenting Podcast, we’re joined by addiction medicine specialist and pediatrician Dr. Paul Filomeno, founder of Healthy Screens PH. Dr. Paul brings both his expertise and personal experience as a dad to help us understand when screen time becomes problematic and how to create a healthy media balance for our kids.
We dive deep into:
- The warning signs that screen time may be too much
- Distinguishing between healthy and unhealthy screen use
- Age-appropriate guidelines for screen time (and making them work in real life!)
- Choose high-quality content for your child
If you've ever felt guilty about screen time or struggled to set limits, this episode is for you. Discover how to take small, realistic steps to create a balanced media plan for your family without power struggles or guilt.
Resources Mentioned:
📖 Check out our books for more guidance: discerningparenting.com/books
📩 Join the Digital Parenting Waitlist and let us know that guidance on this would be valuable for you.
Connect with Us:
🌟 Follow the Discerning Parenting Podcast for more expert insights on parenting in the digital age!
💬 Share this episode with your family and friends—let’s navigate screen time together!
About Dr. Paul:
As a dad to a young child, Dr. Paul has a deep passion for pioneering studies on behavioral addictions in children and adolescents, including screen time and substance use. As the founder of Healthy Screens PH, he is committed to advancing research and practical strategies to address the growing concerns of both digital and substance-related addictions in the pediatric population. His work emphasizes the development of effective, culturally sensitive approaches to managing addiction issues in young people. He is also a certified Gaming and Gambling Addiction Specialist, having completed his certification at Asia Metropolitan University (AMU) in Malaysia. He currently serves as a consultant in Addiction and Recovery Medicine and Pediatrics at the Philippine General Hospital.
Booking Link:
https://seriousmd.com/doc/paul-lawrence-filomeno
Viber/SMS/Telegram: +63 949 4385188
Clinics:
St. Claire Medical Center (Makati)
Kindred Health PH (Taft)
San Juan de Dios Medical Center
🔗 Related Episodes:
⭐ Our book Learning by Heart: Teach Your Child to Read, Stress-Free is now on Amazon! Click here to learn more about Dr. Victoria Nolasco's books.
⭐ Check out our FREE Discerning Parenting Toolkit and Resource Library.
⭐ Find out more about our on-demand courses to guide you through parenting challenges.
🎖️Discerning Parenting is now one of the TOP 20 PARENTING PODCASTS on Feedspot!
The Discerning Parenting Podcast is a free informational resource for parents. As a valued listener, you acknowledge that any information you get from this podcast is for your general guidance only, and must never be considered a substitute for the advice provided by a doctor, therapist, or other qualified medical professionals who know your child specifically. Read our full disclaimer policy here.
Are you worried about your child’s screen time? How much is too much?
In this episode of the Discerning Parenting Podcast, we’re joined by addiction medicine specialist and pediatrician Dr. Paul Filomeno, founder of Healthy Screens PH. Dr. Paul brings both his expertise and personal experience as a dad to help us understand when screen time becomes problematic and how to create a healthy media balance for our kids.
We dive deep into:
- The warning signs that screen time may be too much
- Distinguishing between healthy and unhealthy screen use
- Age-appropriate guidelines for screen time (and making them work in real life!)
- Choose high-quality content for your child
If you've ever felt guilty about screen time or struggled to set limits, this episode is for you. Discover how to take small, realistic steps to create a balanced media plan for your family without power struggles or guilt.
Resources Mentioned:
📖 Check out our books for more guidance: discerningparenting.com/books
📩 Join the Digital Parenting Waitlist and let us know that guidance on this would be valuable for you.
Connect with Us:
🌟 Follow the Discerning Parenting Podcast for more expert insights on parenting in the digital age!
💬 Share this episode with your family and friends—let’s navigate screen time together!
About Dr. Paul:
As a dad to a young child, Dr. Paul has a deep passion for pioneering studies on behavioral addictions in children and adolescents, including screen time and substance use. As the founder of Healthy Screens PH, he is committed to advancing research and practical strategies to address the growing concerns of both digital and substance-related addictions in the pediatric population. His work emphasizes the development of effective, culturally sensitive approaches to managing addiction issues in young people. He is also a certified Gaming and Gambling Addiction Specialist, having completed his certification at Asia Metropolitan University (AMU) in Malaysia. He currently serves as a consultant in Addiction and Recovery Medicine and Pediatrics at the Philippine General Hospital.
Booking Link:
https://seriousmd.com/doc/paul-lawrence-filomeno
Viber/SMS/Telegram: +63 949 4385188
Clinics:
St. Claire Medical Center (Makati)
Kindred Health PH (Taft)
San Juan de Dios Medical Center
🔗 Related Episodes:
⭐ Our book Learning by Heart: Teach Your Child to Read, Stress-Free is now on Amazon! Click here to learn more about Dr. Victoria Nolasco's books.
⭐ Check out our FREE Discerning Parenting Toolkit and Resource Library.
⭐ Find out more about our on-demand courses to guide you through parenting challenges.
🎖️Discerning Parenting is now one of the TOP 20 PARENTING PODCASTS on Feedspot!
The Discerning Parenting Podcast is a free informational resource for parents. As a valued listener, you acknowledge that any information you get from this podcast is for your general guidance only, and must never be considered a substitute for the advice provided by a doctor, therapist, or other qualified medical professionals who know your child specifically. Read our full disclaimer policy here.
Previous Episode
095 - Screen Time Battles? Toddler-Friendly Transition Tips to Try with Dr. Paul Filomeno
Struggling with screen time battles? In this episode, Dr. Paul Filomeno, the first pediatrician in the Philippines locally trained in addiction and recovery medicine, shares why screens are so captivating for toddlers and how parents can transition their kids away from screens with fewer meltdowns. We discuss research-backed strategies, practical tips, and the importance of movement and alternative activities.
As a dad to a young child, Dr. Paul has a deep passion for pioneering studies on behavioral addictions in children and adolescents, including screen time and substance use. As the founder of Healthy Screens PH, he is committed to advancing research and practical strategies to address the growing concerns of both digital and substance-related addictions in the pediatric population. His work emphasizes the development of effective, culturally sensitive approaches to managing addiction issues in young people. He is also a certified Gaming and Gambling Addiction Specialist, having completed his certification at Asia Metropolitan University (AMU) in Malaysia. He currently serves as a consultant in Addiction and Recovery Medicine and Pediatrics at the Philippine General Hospital.
Key Takeaways:
✔️ Why screens are so addictive for toddlers
✔️ The science behind their resistance to stopping screen time
✔️ Practical strategies to transition toddlers away from screens smoothly
✔️ The importance of consistency and alternative activities
✔️ Why screen-free times like bedtime and meals are crucial
Resources Mentioned:
📌 Discerning Parenting Toolkit – Free download with a language activity guide for toddlers, tips on handling toddler tantrums, and more!
📌 Join the Digital Parenting Waitlist and let us know that guidance on this would be valuable for you.
🔗 Related Episodes:
- Get Kids Moving - even if you have limited space
- Effects of Screen Time; Understanding Screen Time Addiction - with Dr. Paul Filomeno
- Effects of Screen Time on Language and Development of Toddlers and Young Kids - with Dr. Angel Dy
Stay Connected:
✅ Subscribe to the Discerning Parenting Podcast so you don’t miss our coming episodes on managing screen time.
✅ Get in touch with Dr. Paul:
Booking Link:
https://seriousmd.com/doc/paul-lawrence-filomeno
⭐ Our book Learning by Heart: Teach Your Child to Read, Stress-Free is now on Amazon! Click here to learn more about Dr. Victoria Nolasco's books.
⭐ Check out our FREE Discerning Parenting Toolkit and Resource Library.
⭐ Find out more about our on-demand courses to guide you through parenting challenges.
🎖️Discerning Parenting is now one of the TOP 20 PARENTING PODCASTS on Feedspot!
The Discerning Parenting Podcast is a free informational resource for parents. As a valued listener, you acknowledge that any information you get from this podcast is for your general guidance only, and must never be considered a substitute for the advice provided by a doctor, therapist, or other qualified medical professionals who know your child specifically. Read our full disclaimer policy here.
Next Episode
097 - Is it Social Media Addiction? with Addiction Medicine Specialist Dr. Paul Filomeno
Are you worried that your child may be addicted to social media? You’re not alone! Social media is designed to keep users hooked, and kids are especially vulnerable.
In this episode of the Discerning Parenting Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Paul Filomeno, an addiction medicine specialist, pediatrician, and dad. He shares research-backed insights on social media addiction in kids, red flags to watch for, and practical strategies to help children develop healthier online habits.
This podcast is for informational purposes only and is NOT meant to replace medical advice. When in doubt, consult a licensed practitioner.
Key Takeaways:
✅ Is social media really addictive? Understanding how platforms manipulate dopamine and attention.
✅ Red flags of social media addiction: Signs that go beyond just spending too much time online.
✅ How social media affects kids' mental health: The link between early exposure, anxiety, and depression.
✅ Setting healthy boundaries: Why restriction isn’t the answer, but regulation and co-journeying are.
✅ Modeling healthy habits as a parent: How your own screen time impacts your child.
✅ When to seek professional help: Understanding when social media use becomes a deeper issue.
Resources & Links:
📌 Learn more about Dr. Paul Filomino’s work at Healthy Screens PH
Follow Healthy Screens PH here:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/healthyscreensPH
IG: https://www.instagram.com/healthyscreens.ph
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/healthy-screens-ph
📌 Get practical and curated parenting resources at DiscerningParenting.com
📌 Need help with digital parenting? Let us know! Visit: discerningparenting.com/digitalparenting
Don’t Miss Our Next Episode!
We’ll be diving into new expert insights about screen time and its impact on both kids and parents. Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out!
💬 Loved this episode? Share it with a friend and leave us a review!
⭐ Our book Learning by Heart: Teach Your Child to Read, Stress-Free is now on Amazon! Click here to learn more about Dr. Victoria Nolasco's books.
⭐ Check out our FREE Discerning Parenting Toolkit and Resource Library.
⭐ Find out more about our on-demand courses to guide you through parenting challenges.
🎖️Discerning Parenting is now one of the TOP 20 PARENTING PODCASTS on Feedspot!
The Discerning Parenting Podcast is a free informational resource for parents. As a valued listener, you acknowledge that any information you get from this podcast is for your general guidance only, and must never be considered a substitute for the advice provided by a doctor, therapist, or other qualified medical professionals who know your child specifically. Read our full disclaimer policy here.
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