Indonesia promotes "One Hour with Family" initiative to reduce children's gadget use

Deputy for Family Quality Improvement and Population Woro Srihastuti Sulistyaningrum said data from the early childhood profile shows that 42.25 percent of young children have accessed mobile phones and the internet, with Generation Z and Alpha becoming the largest internet users.

“Nowadays, children are more familiar with the digital world than traditional social interaction. This shift reduces the time for direct interaction within families. Therefore, the one hour movement emphasizes parents as the main caregivers, not gadgets,” Sulistyaningrum said here on Wednesday (March 11).

In addition, the movement aims to improve the quality of direct interaction in families and strengthen bonds between parents and children.

“The movement is based on an approach to building quality families in the digital era, with the principle that the home is a safe and comfortable zone for interaction,” she said.

Sulistyaningrum also highlighted challenges in internet use among Generation Z and Alpha, where fewer than 30 percent of children are accompanied by parents when accessing the internet.

In addition, Indonesia ranks third globally in reports of online sexual violence content involving children.

“Although the internet has positive aspects such as education, communication, and access to information, the flow of negative content poses major risks without active parenting,” she said.

She explained that activities may include praying together, gadget-free family meals, exercising together, studying together, recreation, family discussions, local cultural activities, or simply gathering and chatting.

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Translator: Lintang, Kenzu