The Child Development Centre (CDC, MOH), organised their second “Ok Kah Anakku?” roadshow on Sunday with the launch of the Screen Use Guidelines by Age in Brunei Darussalam at the Level 1, OneCity Shopping Complex.
This year’s roadshow was also held in part to commemorate CDC’s 25th anniversary.
The Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohammad Isham Bin Haji Jaafar was present as the guest of honour to also launch the ‘Screen Use Guidelines by Age in Negara Brunei Darussalam’.
The recommendations included no screen use in children below the age of two years old or no background screen use for all ages, as well as the importance of parental involvement in keeping children safe online.
Similar to the roadshow held previously, the CDC continued the positive traction in disseminating knowledge on child development.
This year’s theme, ‘Disconnect to Reconnect’, aimed to empower parents to ‘disconnect’ from their screens, and ‘reconnect’ in interacting with their children, with the goal to promote healthy screen use.
It is hoped that it would create awareness amongst parents about the children’s growing dependence on screen use in their daily lives, and how this can negatively impact a child’s development and well being.
The roadshow also provides a platform for parents to meet with the child development team from the Ministry in an informal setting so that they can ask any questions or concerns related to their children’s overall development.
They also have the opportunity to meet with other professionals with an interest in child development both from the government and private sectors.
Activities on the day included various CDC booths to give ideas on alternatives to screen use, such as creative play and mobility activities. There are also quizzes and prize giveaways to help disseminate knowledge on healthy screen use and child development.
Also participating at the event are Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS); the Department of Special Education under the Ministry of Education; the Community Development Department (JAPEM); the Islamic Studies Department (JPI); and various Private Intervention Centres. – James Kon
