Inspirational Approach Key to Shifting Children's Gadget Dependency
Shifting children’s habits from gadget dependency to more productive activities requires a guiding and inspirational approach, rather than mere prohibition. This was stated by Professor Susanto, a professor at the University of Higher Education for Quranic Sciences (PTIQ) Jakarta.
“Shifting children’s habits towards more productive directions requires an approach that is not just about prohibiting, but guiding and inspiring,” said Susanto when contacted in Jakarta on Monday (30/3).
This statement comes as a response to the implementation of Minister of Communication and Digital Regulation Number 9 of 2026.
This regulation is the implementing rule for Government Regulation Number 17 of 2025 on the Governance of Electronic System Operators in Child Protection (PP Tunas), which has been effectively in force since 28 March 2026.
According to this former Chair of the Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) for the 2017-2022 period, one concrete step parents can take is to encourage interest- and talent-based activities, such as sports, arts, science, and simple entrepreneurship.
“Children need to experience real satisfaction in the offline world,” said Susanto.
In addition to talent development, he recommends implementing project-based activities (project-based learning). For example, inviting children to create certain works, gardening, or being active in social activities in the home environment.
Susanto emphasised the importance of parents as digital role models. Instead of applying rigid strict controls, gadget restrictions should be done through dialogue and mutual agreement. He reminded that children tend to imitate their parents’ examples rather than just listening to advice.
On the other hand, technology can still be integrated positively. Parents can guide children to use the internet to learn new skills, so that the function of gadgets shifts from mere entertainment consumption to a learning aid.
He concluded that the success of this effort does not only depend on government regulations, but also on collaboration between families, schools, and communities.
“We are not distancing children from technology, but equipping them to master technology without losing their identity. Hopefully, this step becomes a strong foundation for the birth of an excellent, characterful, and globally competitive Indonesian generation,” Susanto concluded.
Based on data from the 2024 National Socio-Economic Survey (Susenas), around 20.1% of Indonesian children are at risk of growing up without fatherly upbringing.
For busy working parents, carving out short but intensive time is far more beneficial for children’s emotional attachment.
Several parents support PP Tunas, including Mia Santani, 36. However, there are some notes.
PP Tunas can serve as a shield for parents to protect their children from the dangers of excessive social media use.
Children accustomed to relying on gadgets in daily life are at risk of showing excessive emotional reactions (tantrums) when their use is limited by parents.
PP Tunas is officially in effect, with the government pressing digital platforms. A surge in child pornography cases serves as an alarm, and families are urged to strengthen literacy to protect children.