Parental Embrace Holds More Meaning for Children Than Gadgets

Bekasi — The head of the City Child Protection Commission (KPAD) of Bekasi, Novrian, has emphasised that parental involvement is the primary factor in overseeing children’s gadget usage amid rapid digital technological development.

He urged parents to allocate quality time with their children to prevent dependency on gadgets.

“A parent’s touch, a parent’s embrace when a child is sad, carries far greater meaning than any gadget,” Novrian said during an interview in Bekasi on Monday, 16 March 2026.

According to Novrian, simple interactions such as playing together at home or engaging in outdoor activities can strengthen the emotional bond between parents and children.

“What matters most is that parents must have time. A parent’s emotional and psychological presence is the most important thing for a child’s happiness,” he said.

He also cautioned that child-rearing should not be viewed as a burden but rather as an enjoyable process.

“Raising children is not a burden, but an art. Art is beautiful, so it must be pursued with happiness and cheerfulness,” he added.

Beyond supervision, Novrian regarded effective communication between parents and children as essential in navigating the digital era.

In his view, parents cannot simply issue commands; they must also create space for children to share their thoughts and experiences.

“Parents must build communication. Do not merely give orders, but also be willing to listen to children’s stories,” he said.

Novrian observed that the current dominance of gadgets is affecting children’s interaction patterns.

Children’s playtime, which was previously spent with peers, is now increasingly replaced by screen-based activities.

“This means the role of parents in educating and shaping parenting approaches is increasingly being displaced by gadgets,” Novrian concluded.