Children Restricted from Digital Access, Psychologist: Prepare Alternatives in the Real World
The policy of restricting children’s digital access is not intended as a total ban. Children can still utilise digital technology, particularly for educational needs, but usage must be under parental supervision and without personal accounts.
Professor at the Faculty of Psychology, University of Indonesia (UI), Rose Mini Agoes Salim, emphasised that this approach aims to regulate, not entirely prohibit, children’s digital activities.
“Children can still use digital devices, for example, for school purposes. But usage must be monitored, and they should not have their own accounts,” said Rose Mini when contacted on Sunday (29/3).
She explained that in the current situation where many children are accustomed and even dependent on gadgets and social media, implementing restrictions may trigger emotional reactions. Children might become fussy, angry, or cry because they feel they are losing access they have previously enjoyed.
However, according to her, this condition is part of the adaptation process that needs to be addressed with the right approach. Therefore, parents need to prepare alternative activities as replacements.
“The replacement does not always have to be social media or something virtual. It can also be in the form of real-world activities,” she clarified.
She gave examples that traditional games or other physical activities can be options to divert children’s attention from excessive gadget use. Even if they still use social media or digital games, the duration needs to be limited and not done for hours.
Furthermore, she stressed the importance of the role of parents and educators in helping children manage technology usage. According to her, children do not yet have sufficient ability to limit themselves due to limited life experience and not fully understanding the negative impacts of excessive digital use.
“Children cannot limit themselves without external help. Their life experience is still short, and they do not yet understand the negative impacts. Therefore, we must help regulate,” she concluded.