TSS Parent Education Talk Guides Parents on Addressing Children’s Screen Use and Development

On 11 April 2026, Tadika Seri Soka (TSS) organised a parent education talk, with Soka International School Malaysia principal Dr Wendy Yee Mei Tien as speaker. The “Children and Screens: Understanding the Risks and the Role of Parents” talk was attended by some 80 participants.

Dr Yee noted that excessive use of mobile devices among children may lead to brain overstimulation, affecting language development, concentration, emotional regulation and sleep patterns, while also weakening imagination and independent thinking. She emphasised that a child’s development fundamentally relies on real-life interpersonal interactions, which foster language skills, emotional bonds and critical thinking – experiences screens cannot replace.

She exhorted parents to lead by example, set clear boundaries on screen use, and create screen-free environments. Prioritising meaningful engagement over reliance on devices helps parents better support their children’s holistic physical, emotional and mental development.

During the Q&A, participants actively raised questions and shared parenting experiences, with several parents expressing their intention to strengthen communication and listen attentively to their children. They also pledged to reduce reliance on electronic devices in daily life, and apply what they had learned in their homes.

Reported by Ting Cheau Ya, photographed by Jeffery Lum