Parents' Strategies for Handling Children's Tantrums When Forbidden from Using Gadgets
Children accustomed to relying on gadgets in their daily lives are at risk of displaying excessive emotional reactions (tantrums) when their usage is limited by parents. Not infrequently, children cry until they sob when there is a prohibition on using gadgets. This indicates dependency that begins to form from an early age.
Child development expert, adolescent, and education from the Faculty of Psychology at Gadjah Mada University, Novi Poespita Candra, on Sunday (29/3), said that activities involving physical engagement can be a solution to reduce this dependency.
“Encourage children to have a variety of activities, from physical, arts, social, to spiritual,” she stated.
According to her, involving children in active daily activities can divert their attention from gadgets, while encouraging social development and interaction with their surroundings.
In addition, parents need to have firmness in parenting and not use gadgets as a tool to calm children, especially when experiencing tantrums.
The government regulates gadget usage limits for children through Government Regulation Number 17 of 2025 on the Governance of Electronic Systems in Child Protection (PP Tunas), which will take effect on 28 March 2026.
“Do not introduce gadgets until the age of 13. If they are already familiar, regulate its usage,” said Novi.
She also emphasised that children’s behaviour is greatly influenced by the example from parents. Therefore, parents are expected to be role models in gadget usage.
“Children develop by imitating. Parents must be role models, for example, not holding phones during interactions, and inviting children to do various activities together,” she added.
PP Tunas is a response to concerns from the medical community regarding the negative impacts of social media on children’s growth and development.
Gadget exposure during crucial growth phases (ages 5 to 15 years) risks triggering persistent developmental disorders into adulthood.
Currently, many platforms provide parental control features, but not all parents understand how to operate them.
In line with the government’s appeal, the public is encouraged to enjoy quality family time by reducing gadget exposure.
The key to the success of gadget restriction rules lies not only in prohibitions but also in parents’ exemplary behaviour as role models.
PP Tunas can serve as a shield for parents to protect their children from the dangers of excessive social media usage.