Psychologist Says Device Restrictions for Children Fail Without Parental Example
Leading child psychologist Rose Mini Agoes Salim has issued a stern warning to parents who wish to limit their children’s digital access but are unable to control their own device usage. She stressed that device restriction regulations will be futile if parents fail to demonstrate genuine self-control at home.
According to Rose Mini, children are exceptional imitators who learn from what they observe daily, not merely from verbal instructions. If parents prohibit their children from using mobile phones whilst they themselves spend time scrolling through social media at home, conflicting messages will emerge for the child.
“Parents are role models for children. Don’t ask your child not to use gadgets much if the parents themselves cannot put down their phones,” Rose Mini stated firmly.
She highlighted the psychological impact when parental attention is consumed by smartphone screens. This condition leaves children feeling they have no access to communicate or interact with their parents, even when in the same room.
“When parents are at home but their time is taken by their phones, when is the time for the child?” she asked rhetorically.
She warned that children who struggle to interact with their parents tend to retreat into the digital world as an escape. This creates a vicious cycle of device addiction that is difficult to break.
Rose Mini advised parents not only to impose prohibitions but also to provide attractive alternative activities. Physical activities such as exercising together or completing simple projects at home could serve as effective bridges for communication.
She emphasised that despite digital platform regulations that help limit content, the human role of parents remains irreplaceable.
“Regulations help parents. But guidance still comes from parents. They must be creative and consistent,” she concluded.
Without active parental engagement, excessive device and digital platform usage is feared to negatively impact children’s physical health and mental development in the future. The role of parents is crucial in establishing screen time limits and prioritising face-to-face social interaction to support children’s socio-emotional development.