Screen Time to Scripture Time

Philippine Bible Society distributes 100 Steps Family Bible to help families grow together in faith beyond the screen.

Children today are growing up in a world increasingly shaped by screens. While technology offers many benefits, excessive screen time has become a growing concern among parents, educators, and child development experts. Research in the Philippines found that almost all preschool-aged children exceed the World Health Organization’s recommended screen time, raising concerns about their cognitive, language, and social development. Filipino pediatricians have likewise observed a growing number of children undergoing developmental screenings for speech delays, many of which are associated with prolonged and unsupervised gadget use during the toddler years.

As parents search for practical ways to spend quality time with their children, one question becomes increasingly important:

How can families intentionally create moments that strengthen not only their children’s development, but also their relationship with one another and with God?

Recognizing this need, the Philippine Bible Society (PBS), in partnership with the Netherlands Bible Society, distributed more than 300 copies of the 100 Steps Family Bible to seven partner churches from May to June 2026.

Before receiving their copies, parents attended an orientation that featured a video discussing the effects of excessive screen time on children, followed by a talk on intentional family engagement and how the Family Bible can help strengthen relationships at home. The session encouraged families to replace some screen time with conversations, Bible reading, and shared activities at home.

Using the Pinoy Version translation, the 100 Steps Family Bible presents one hundred carefully selected Bible stories in language that Filipino families can easily understand. Each story is accompanied by discussion questions, creative activities, and family exercises that encourage parents and children to learn God’s Word together.

For many parents, the Family Bible offers more than stories. It provides an opportunity to reconnect, spend time together, and intentionally nurture their children’s faith.

“Masaya po ako kasi mas makikilala ng anak ko yung Bible. Makakatulong din ito kasi magkakaroon kami ng bonding dahil may activities itong Bible… More on gadget na kasi ang mga bata ngayon, kaya at least dito magkakaroon ng quality time ang buong pamilya [habang mas nakikilala si God].”

— Roxanne Duran, Jesus Reigns Ministries – Silang

Edsan Bulaso, a mother from The Harvest Church in Naic, also shared that the Family Bible would help her become more intentional in raising her children according to God’s Word.

“Hindi lang [dapat] gawaing bahay ang iniintindi natin bilang magulang. [Dapat kasama rin] kung paano natin palalakihin ang ating mga anak kasama si Lord. Excited akong basahin ito kasama ang mga anak ko para lumaki silang Christ-centered.”

Church leaders likewise see the Family Bible as a practical discipleship tool that will equip parents to become the primary mentors of their children.

Ptr. John Paul Joseph T. Mancho of The Harvest Church explained that while parents are entrusted with raising their children, they also need practical resources that can guide them in that responsibility.

“Ang Salita ng Diyos ang ilaw sa ating landas. Kumbaga bilang mga magulang, ang 100 Steps Family Bible ay magiging gabay sa paghubog ng ating mga anak.”

For Ptr. Jan Vermeer Halili of Good Shepherd Bible Community, the resource addresses two growing concerns at once—the increasing influence of digital media and the weakening connection between parents and children.

“Ngayon, mas into digital na ang mga bata, at minsan nagkakalayo na rin ang relasyon ng magulang at anak. Dahil sa [Family] Bible na ito, maibabalik ang connection nila habang [sabay nilang] pinag-aaralan ang Salita ng Diyos.”

The excitement was evident not only among parents but also among the children themselves, who eagerly received their own copies of the Family Bible.

Seven-year-old Shanelle Grace Duran, shared her excitement with a simple but warm response.

“Masaya po [ako] kasi binigyan ako ng Bible para [mapag-aralan] ko, maging mabait ako, at mas makilala si God.”

As parents and children begin opening the pages of the 100 Steps Family Bible together, our prayer is that every Bible story, conversation, and activity will become an opportunity to grow closer, not only to one another, but also to God.

In a generation increasingly shaped by digital distractions, we pray that more Filipino homes discover that the greatest investment they can make is spending time together in God’s Word, one step at a time.