Jakarta (ANTARA) - Clinical psychologist Alsi Mega Marsha Tengker,\nB.A., M.Sc., M.Psi., Psychologist, believes that parental supervision of\nchildren in the digital space requires a balance between trust and\nprotection.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen we talk about providing protection and trust, they need to be\nbalanced. If a child already trusts us, whatever rules we set, they will\njust say \u2018okay, Mum\u2019,\u201d said the psychologist, who is affectionately\nknown as Caca, at the \u201c#AKSIDigital: Indonesian Family Growing Space\u201d\nevent in Jakarta on Thursday.<\/p>\n
Caca explained that trust from parents will build a child\u2019s\nself-confidence. Initially, children borrow a sense of trust from their\nparents, which then grows into self-trust. Parents continue to protect\nand bear responsibility for what their children do.<\/p>\n
The psychologist, who is part of the Indonesian Psychology\nAssociation (HIMPSI), also stated that the balance between protection\nand trust needs to be tailored to the child\u2019s age. Very young children\nnaturally require more supervision as they are not yet capable of making\ndecisions independently. However, as the child grows, the portion of\nprotection can be gradually reduced and replaced with greater trust.<\/p>\n
Similarly, supervising children in the digital space helps make it\neasier for parents to protect them without diminishing their trust, such\nas through the availability of supervision features on Google and\nYouTube.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat can become something to be used as a topic for discussion. To\nwhat extent does Mum want to know about what the child is looking at on\nthe internet? The aim is for Mum to know, not because she doesn\u2019t trust\nyou, but because it is Mum\u2019s responsibility. We each act according to\nour respective functions; one of a child\u2019s functions is indeed to learn,\nincluding from their parents,\u201d Caca added.<\/p>\n
According to Caca, children tend not to obey rules if they lack trust\nin their parents. Trust, where both parties can be open with one\nanother, needs to be built between children and parents. Protection\nwithout trust actually produces fear, making children become afraid.<\/p>\n
\u201cTrust without protection results in vulnerability; our children\nbecome vulnerable on the internet. That is also not something we want.\nThat is why we need to maintain and study this balance further,\u201d she\nsaid.<\/p>\n
Caca also shared tips on healthy digital habits, behaviours practised\nby parents so they become automatic for children. She explained that the\nmain goal to be achieved is the ability for self-regulation, where\neventually children can regulate and know what they should view on the\ninternet.<\/p>\n
If this process runs well, parents can entrust their children with\nconfidence, while children remain comfortable discussing things if they\nencounter something inappropriate for their age or the values being\ntaught. In building healthy digital habits, Caca said, consistency is\nparamount. Parents do not need to demand perfect results or expect\nchildren to suddenly be able to handle trust.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut it\u2019s about how we build a habit at home, for example, how long\nwe watch for. But the duration of watching is not the most important\nthing; the most important thing is for it to become a habit so they can\nself-regulate in the digital world,\u201d Caca added.<\/p>\n
Furthermore, Caca added that children need to understand the reasons\nbehind the rules or decisions made by parents, highlighting the\nimportance of openness and honesty. Although being honest with children\nmay not always be easy, she stated, honesty can be practised until it\nbecomes a habit.<\/p>\n
\u201cHonesty can become a habit; the important thing is that we are\nconsistent. It doesn\u2019t have to be perfect all at once, but we can be\nconsistent in doing it every day \u2014 being honest with the child,\u201d Caca\nconcluded.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/balanced-trust-and-protection-key-in-childrens-digital-supervision-psychologist-1780599111", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }