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Kapuso host Iya Villania opens up about her family's experience with online games and why she has become more mindful of their children's gadget use.

In an episode of their new podcast, Kami Ang Inyong Mga..., Iya, together with co-hosts Camille Prats and Suzi Entrata-Abrera, shared their insights on parenting in today's digital age.

Iya said she initially implemented a weekends-only rule when it came to using gadgets.

However, the pandemic changed their routine, and the children eventually spent more time online.

Encouraged by her husband, Drew Arellano, who believed it was okay in moderation, Iya allowed their children to enjoy online games.

But she began noticing changes after they started playing games on the online platform Roblox.

"I didn't think much of it. So let them play. But you know what, I really saw the addiction that they developed for it. They got so addicted," Iya shared.

She also recalled seeing one of the game's characters—a fan-made horror version of Sonic the Hedgehog known as Sonic.exe—which raised concerns.

"I was thinking, 'Is this a normal character? Baka 'di ko lang 'to kilala.' So 'di ko lang masyadong inisip. Hanggang sa they started getting scared at night kasi 'yung mga jumpscare," she recalled.

"Their attitudes just changed. And parang when we take it away, they would get so upset. And siyempre, they were much younger then. So hindi pa nila ma-regulate at maintindihan. So basta 'pag tinanggal mo, nagwawala. Mawala lang 'yung internet, magwawala."

What alarmed Iya the most was seeing the changes in her eldest son, Antonio Primo, whom she described as a kind and responsible role model for his younger siblings.

"I know, Primo. He's such a sweet boy. He's such a smart boy. So, when he was going through that, I was like, Okay, this isn't sitting well with me," Iya said.

In response, Iya and Drew decided to implement a month-long gadget break for their children.

She admitted the adjustment was difficult at first, but eventually, the family settled into a new routine without gadgets.

"Siyempre, iyak noong una. Then, parang the first couple of days were a struggle. Then it got easier. Hanggang sa tanggap na niya. Then we're just carrying on with life without gadgets."

After two months, the couple allowed their children to use gadgets again, but no longer permitted them to play the particular Roblox game that had caused concern.

"Because these games are made by people, these are worlds that people bring to life na mga fantasies nila," Iya explained.

"So, malay natin kung anong mga fantasy ng mga ibang tao na 'yan that they make come true in these worlds. And then, they're introducing these children to them. So, I'm glad we took that game away."

Although some of their children's classmates continue to play similar games, Iya said her kids have come to understand the family's decision after she and Drew explained.

She also praised Primo for recognizing how the game affected him and for understanding why his parents no longer allow him to play it.

Iya and Drew have five children: Primo, Leon, Alana, Astro, and Anya.

The couple tied the knot on January 31, 2014. Since then, they have often shared glimpses of their parenting journey, emphasizing an active lifestyle and a hands-on approach to raising their family.

Get to know more about the Arellano family in this gallery: