Addressing Children's Tantrums When Forbidden from Using Gadgets

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Children who are accustomed to relying on gadgets in their daily lives are at risk of displaying excessive emotional reactions (tantrums) when their use is limited by parents. Not infrequently, children cry until they sob when there is a ban on using gadgets, indicating the formation of dependency from an early age. Novi Poespita Candra, an expert in Child, Adolescent, and Educational Development from the Faculty of Psychology at Gadjah Mada University, when contacted by ANTARA in Jakarta on Sunday, stated that activities involving physical engagement can be a solution to reduce this dependency. “Encourage children to have a variety of activities, ranging from physical, artistic, social, to spiritual,” she said. In addition, parents also need to have firmness in child-rearing and not use gadgets as a tool to calm children, especially when they are experiencing tantrums. The government itself has regulated the limits on gadget use for children through Government Regulation Number 17 of 2025 on the Governance of Electronic Systems in Child Protection (PP TUNAS), which will take effect on 28 March 2026. “Do not introduce gadgets until the age of 13. If they are already familiar, regulate their use,” said Novi. She also emphasised that children’s behaviour is greatly influenced by the example set by parents. Therefore, parents are expected to be role models in gadget use. “Children develop by imitating. Parents must be role models, for example, not holding phones during interactions, and inviting children to do various activities together,” she added.