Parents reminded that televisions should not replace parenting

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As school holidays draw nearer, the content manager of digital at Vision Group, Penlope Nankunda, has urged parents to monitor and supervise what their children watch on television.

According to Nankunda, although holidays are a time for rest and fun, they are also a period when young people tend to spend much more time on their electronic devices.

“I believe technology is our greatest tool for progress, but like any powerful tool, it must be handled with care and responsibility. When you go for the holiday and you get access to the tabs, to the TV, and phones, always remember, technology is like a delicious cake. A little bit is good. But too much is dangerous,” Nankunda advised children.

Children peeling food during the art and technology exhibition at Gayaza Junior Jjungo Campus in Nakawuka in Wakiso district on November 08, 2025.

Additionally, Nankunda advised children to use their tablets to find designs and create artwork, draw cartoon strips, and write stories. She further encouraged them to engage in educational games, digital books, and creative software that stimulate thinking and creativity.

“Let us move beyond just saying no screen time. Instead, sit with your child and explore the digital world with them. If they are playing a game, ask them what that game is about and what they learned from it,” Nankunda advised parents.

She made the remarks during the art and technology exhibition held at Gayaza Junior School's Jjungo Campus in Nakawuka, Wakiso district, on November 8, 2025.

The exhibition was held under the theme Empowering the Skills and Culture in a Girl Child.

During the lively cultural presentation, children not only knelt when mentioning the names of their parents but were also thoroughly taught about their cultural backgrounds and practices.

Since there are many harmful influences associated with technology, Nankunda said Vision Group is launching a project to teach both parents and children about responsible technology use during the holidays.

Penlope Nankunda (left), Content Manager of Digital at Vision Group looking at some of the fabrics made by children as Cathy Mayambala, Head of department of art and technology looks on during the art and technology exhibition at Gayaza Junior Jjungo Campus in Nakawuka in Wakiso district on November 08, 2025.

“The world we live in demands citizens who are creative, confident, and digitally aware. Let the work we saw today inspire every decision we make regarding our children's education and their interaction with the digital world, especially as they head into their holidays,”  stated Nankunda, who represented the Editor-in-Chief of Vision Group, Barbara Kaija.

“It is your responsibility as a parent to train your children, instead of the television. Televisions have become mothers and fathers. Some parents who get tired of looking after their children ask them to watch TV instead,” disclosed Sarah Tebugulwa Kizito.

Because of parental neglect, Kizito revealed that they have observed unusual behaviour among children. She noted that although some parents use codes to restrict children from accessing certain channels, this is often ineffective.

According to Kizito, children are smart enough to unlock the passwords, watch the channels of their choice, and switch back when they sense their parents are about to return.

“As you focus on making money, prioritise your child so that they become a better person. To ensure your children’s safety, get to know their friends and the neighbours they visit when you are away,” Kizito advised parents.