On a Sunday afternoon, I was scrolling through my feed, looking for a few ideas for writing. Then I came across a crowdsourcing question: “If given a chance, would you allow your children to become a content creator?” It piqued my interest as I am a mom to four children. Although young adults and teens, that doesn’t really change anything: we still live in this complex digital world. The reasoning was valid, and so I remembered a familiar couple I follow online: Ramona Julia and Enzo Bonoan.

There’s a certain irony in raising a child in the same space where you work, scroll, and share. For couple, Ramona Julia and Enzo Bonoan, that space just happens to be the internet. Both are fitness and wellness advocates. Both are content creators. And both are raising a daughter who will grow up in a world where being online is not a phase: it’s the default.

The Manila Bulletin Technews had the opportunity to interview them via email to ask a few thoughts on navigating parenting in the digital world.

When asked how they show up for their daughter, Julia says, “Before, social media was simply a place to share my fitness journey.” “Now I find myself asking, ‘What example am I setting?’ I want my daughter to grow up seeing social media used for something positive: to inspire, educate, and uplift people, not just for validation. It’s also made me more mindful about protecting our family’s private moments while still sharing the parts of motherhood that might encourage other moms.”

It’s a subtle shift, but a significant one. Posting is no longer just about content, it’s about context. About what stays public, and what remains protected. About what a child might one day see and understand.

“Instead of focusing only on how much time my daughter spends on a screen, I try to focus on the quality of what she’s exposed to,” she says. “Even at her young age, I want to guide her toward content that teaches something, sparks curiosity, or encourages kindness. As she grows older, I hope to teach her to ask simple questions, such as, "Does this help me learn?" Does it make me think? Is this coming from a reliable source? I think helping children develop discernment is more powerful than just limiting time.”

“For me, it really happens in small, everyday moments,” Julia shares. “If we’re watching something together, I might point out what we’re learning from it or ask simple questions like, ‘What do you think about that?’ or ‘What did you learn?’ Even at her age (3 years old), it’s about helping her think about what she’s seeing. I also try to model balance by putting my phone down and being fully present with her. Those small moments teach children a lot about how technology should fit into real life.”

“I think one of the most important digital skills children need today is discernment, or the ability to tell what’s helpful, true, and meaningful online. Previous generations didn’t grow up with such an overwhelming amount of information at their fingertips. So teaching children how to think critically about what they see, who it’s coming from, and whether it adds value to their lives is a skill that will really serve them well.”

“As a fitness and wellness advocate, I really believe that balance starts with what children see at home,” she says. “Technology is part of our world, but movement and connection are just as important. So in our family, we try to make physical activity a normal part of daily life. We would go outdoors, play, or even just be active together. At the same time, we’re intentional about putting devices away during family moments so we can be fully present. I want my daughter to grow up seeing that technology has its place, but our health and relationships always come first.”

“Parents play a very important role because children learn more from what they observe than from what we say. If they see us constantly on our phones, that becomes their normal. So for me, shaping a healthy relationship with technology starts with modeling balance. I aim to make it a point to show that devices are tools, but they shouldn’t replace movement, conversations, or family time.”

“Definitely. Being in fitness and mental wellness has made me more aware of how important balance is for overall well-being. Movement, rest, connection, and even quiet time are all essential. So at home, we try to make sure technology supports our lifestyle rather than dominates it. We prioritize being active together, spending time outdoors, engaging in sports, and having moments where we’re fully present with each other, like having conversations during mealtime or during car rides.”

“As creators, storytelling is part of what we do, but I’m very mindful that not every moment needs to be shared,” Julia says. “Some experiences are meant to stay within the family. For me, it’s about sharing stories that inspire or help others while still protecting the privacy and dignity of my child. I want our online presence to reflect real life, but also respect the boundaries that keep family life healthy.”

“Becoming a parent made me more intentional about the messages I share. I think more about the kind of example I’m setting and the kind of values I want to pass on. I wish to pass on things like discipline, health, kindness, and authenticity. It’s no longer just about my personal journey anymore; it’s also about creating content that encourages other families to live healthier and more meaningful lives.”

“For me, guiding means helping children develop the ability to think and choose wisely, instead of only relying on rules,” she explains. “That can start with simple conversations about what they’re watching, what they’re learning from it, and whether it’s helpful or positive. Over time, the goal is for them to develop discernment so they can navigate the digital world responsibly.”

“I think curiosity is something we should nurture because technology can be a powerful tool for learning. At the same time, I try to emphasize that not everything online is automatically helpful or true. So curiosity should always be paired with questions like ‘who created this?’ ‘What can I learn from it,’ and ‘Does it add value to my life?’”

“I would hope she carries values like integrity, kindness, and responsibility. The digital world can amplify both good and bad, so it’s important to remember that there are real people on the other side of the screen. I’d want her to use her voice in a way that uplifts others and reflects who she truly is.”

“To me, a digital native is a child who’s growing up in a world where technology is already part of everyday life,” she explains. “My daughter will naturally know how to navigate devices and platforms in ways that my generation had to learn later on. But as a parent, it reminds me that my role isn’t just to limit technology. Rather, it’s to guide her in using it wisely. I want her to see technology as a tool for learning, creativity, and connection, not something that replaces real life.”

“I hope my daughter grows up seeing technology as a tool, not something that controls her,” Julia says. “I want her to develop habits like being intentional about what she consumes, using technology to learn and create, and knowing when to step away and be fully present in real life. For me, it’s really about balance; appreciating the benefits of a connected world while still valuing relationships, health, faith, and time offline.”

“Instead of focusing only on how much time my daughter spends on a screen, I try to focus on the quality of what she’s exposed to,” she says. “Even at her young age, I want to guide her toward content that teaches something, sparks curiosity, or encourages kindness. As she grows older, I hope to teach her to ask simple questions, such as, "Does this help me learn?" Does it make me think? Is this coming from a reliable source? I think helping children develop discernment is more powerful than just limiting time.”

“For me, it really happens in small, everyday moments,” Julia shares. “If we’re watching something together, I might point out what we’re learning from it or ask simple questions like, ‘What do you think about that?’ or ‘What did you learn?’ Even at her age (3 years old), it’s about helping her think about what she’s seeing. I also try to model balance by putting my phone down and being fully present with her. Those small moments teach children a lot about how technology should fit into real life.”

“I think one of the most important digital skills children need today is discernment or the ability to tell what’s helpful, true, and meaningful online. Previous generations didn’t grow up with such an overwhelming amount of information at their fingertips. So teaching children how to think critically about what they see, who it’s coming from, and whether it adds value to their lives is a skill that will really serve them well.”

“As a fitness and wellness advocate, I really believe that balance starts with what children see at home,” she says. “Technology is part of our world, but movement and connection are just as important. So in our family, we try to make physical activity a normal part of daily life. We would go outdoors, play, or even just be active together. At the same time, we’re intentional about putting devices away during family moments so we can be fully present. I want my daughter to grow up seeing that technology has its place, but our health and relationships always come first.”

“Parents play a very important role because children learn more from what they observe than from what we say. If they see us constantly on our phones, that becomes their normal. So for me, shaping a healthy relationship with technology starts with modeling balance. I aim to make it a point to show that devices are tools, but they shouldn’t replace movement, conversations, or family time.”

“Definitely. Being in fitness and mental wellness has made me more aware of how important balance is for overall well-being. Movement, rest, connection, and even quiet time are all essential. So at home, we try to make sure technology supports our lifestyle rather than dominates it. We prioritize being active together, spending time outdoors, engaging in sports, and having moments where we’re fully present with each other, like having conversations during mealtime or during car rides.”

“As creators, storytelling is part of what we do, but I’m very mindful that not every moment needs to be shared,” Julia says. “Some experiences are meant to stay within the family. For me, it’s about sharing stories that inspire or help others while still protecting the privacy and dignity of my child. I want our online presence to reflect real life, but also respect the boundaries that keep family life healthy.”

“Becoming a parent made me more intentional about the messages I share. I think more about the kind of example I’m setting and the kind of values I want to pass on. I wish to pass on things like discipline, health, kindness, and authenticity. It’s no longer just about my personal journey anymore; it’s also about creating content that encourages other families to live healthier and more meaningful lives.”

“For me, guiding means helping children develop the ability to think and choose wisely, instead of only relying on rules,” she explains. “That can start with simple conversations about what they’re watching, what they’re learning from it, and whether it’s helpful or positive. Over time, the goal is for them to develop discernment so they can navigate the digital world responsibly.”

“I think curiosity is something we should nurture because technology can be a powerful tool for learning. At the same time, I try to emphasize that not everything online is automatically helpful or true. So curiosity should always be paired with questions like ‘who created this?’ ‘What can I learn from it,’ and ‘Does it add value to my life?’”

“I would hope she carries values like integrity, kindness, and responsibility. The digital world can amplify both good and bad, so it’s important to remember that there are real people on the other side of the screen. I’d want her to use her voice in a way that uplifts others and reflects who she truly is.”