Psychologist Explains the Detrimental Effects of the Digital World on Children's Emotions

A psychologist from the University of Indonesia, Professor Dr Rose Mini Agoes Salim, has highlighted the critical need for parental and teacher guidance in mitigating the adverse effects of the digital world, which is increasingly influencing children’s emotions and morals. Speaking at the PP Tunas Forum in Denpasar, Bali, on Thursday, Rose Mini explained that children today inhabit two worlds simultaneously: the real world and the digital world. The digital realm offers various forms of instant entertainment that provide quick pleasure, making children more inclined to spend their time on gadgets. “The digital world gives many instant rewards, so children are more easily attracted and end up spending most of their time there,” she said. She explained that children aged 0-6 years are in a phase of very rapid brain development, making them highly absorbent of all received information without the ability to filter it. This condition makes children susceptible to concentration disorders and easy distraction. Meanwhile, children aged 7-12 years begin to actively socialise and explore the digital world. However, at this age, critical thinking skills and emotional control are not yet fully developed, making children easily influenced by various content they encounter on the internet. Rose Mini believes that digital protection for children is not merely about restricting access to technology, but also about preparing children to use technology wisely. She emphasised the importance of three pillars of self-regulation in children: co-regulation by parents and teachers, social and emotional learning, and the implementation of clear rules regarding gadget use. According to her, when parents or teachers limit gadget use, children must also be provided with alternative activities, such as playing outside, exercising, or engaging in enjoyable activities with the family. “Prohibiting children from using gadgets without providing replacement activities will only make them feel a sense of loss and find it difficult to accept the rules,” she said. Furthermore, Rose Mini also stressed the importance of character and moral education from an early age. Empathy, self-control, and respect for others must be continuously trained so that children can distinguish between good and bad behaviour, including when interacting in the digital space. She expressed hope that schools can become places that not only teach academic knowledge but also shape children’s character, enabling them to face the challenges of the digital world in a healthy and responsible manner.