Children Under Two Should Have Zero Screen Time, Paediatric Association Urges

The Indonesian Paediatric Association (IDAI) is urging parents to implement a zero screen time policy, meaning no screen exposure at all, for children under the age of two. This step is considered crucial for preventing various serious developmental disorders in early childhood.

IDAI Chairperson Piprim Basarah Yanuarso explained that early exposure to gadgets increases the risk of developmental disorders, ranging from communication skills to social interaction. He made the statement during the climax of IDAI’s 72nd anniversary celebration at Ragunan Zoo in Jakarta on Sunday.

“We urge that children under two years should have zero screen time,” Piprim asserted. According to him, excessive gadget use not only reduces physical activity but also triggers psychological and cognitive problems.

Piprim highlighted the trend of using gadgets as an “electronic babysitter,” which parents often employ to keep children calm. In reality, this habit is contributing to the emergence of virtual autism and speech delay.

“Parents are often pleased when their child is quiet watching a gadget so they can be absorbed in their own social media, even though this can cause serious developmental disorders,” he said.

In addition to mental development and communication issues, IDAI is also highlighting a surge in new lifestyle diseases among children. Conditions once synonymous with adults are now being found at very young ages. This is triggered by unhealthy eating patterns and minimal physical activity because children spend too much time in front of screens.

IDAI is encouraging parents to be more active in engaging children with their surroundings and to limit the use of electronic devices according to age to ensure optimal growth and development.