SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go has encouraged young Filipinos to spend more time participating in sports and other meaningful activities instead of being excessively immersed in social media and gadgets.

As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, Go stressed the importance of physical activity in promoting discipline, resilience, and a healthier lifestyle among the youth.

He said sports provide young people with a constructive outlet while helping them develop values that go beyond competition.

“Mas dapat nating hikayatin ang mga kabataan na lumabas, maglaro, at mag-sports kaysa buong araw na nakatutok sa social media at gadgets. Mas maraming oras sa court, sa field, o sa playground; mas kaunting oras sa screen,” Go said.

Go also raised concern over the low levels of physical activity among adolescents. He cited World Health Organization data showing 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 each day, he noted.

However, Go stressed that encouraging young people to become more active does not mean rejecting technology or social media altogether.

“Hindi natin layunin na ipagbawal ang teknolohiya. Ang dapat na layunin natin ay tiyaking ginagamit ito nang responsable at naaayon sa edad ng ating mga anak,” he 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 can keep them engaged and away from harmful influences.

“Kung gusto nating ilayo ang ating mga kabataan sa karahasan, sa bisyo, at sa masasamang impluwensya, ilapit natin sila sa sports at sa iba pang makabuluhang gawain. Kaya sabi ko nga, kaysa ma-hook sa social media, sa sports na lang,” Go added.