Psychologist: Traditional games as a positive alternative for children

Kupang, NTT - Psychologist Abdi Keraf believes that traditional games can serve as a positive alternative for children amid the implementation of PP Tunas regarding restrictions on social media, as they support child development, particularly in aspects of social interaction and emotional maturity.

“Playing and expressing oneself does not always have to be through social media. Children can group together, gather, and learn in various contexts. This is where traditional games contribute to children’s development,” said the academic from Nusa Cendana University (Undana) in Kupang, NTT, on Monday.

He conveyed this in relation to the implementation of Government Regulation Number 17 of 2025 on the Governance of Electronic System Organisers in Child Protection (PP Tunas), which limits social media use for children under 16 years old.

According to him, there are other more positive ways to express oneself, one of which is through traditional games.

“Do not view the traditional games played by parents in the past as outdated or antiquated. In fact, traditional games contain positive values, such as social interaction, kinship, spirituality, and morality. When children enjoy these games, it actually helps develop their emotional and social intelligence,” he explained.

For this reason, he encourages parents, teachers, and local communities to urge children to return to direct models of social interaction.

“These things cannot always be obtained through social media. When children access social media, it is more individualistic in nature. What they see is not always through a filtering or educational process from adults or peers. They receive it themselves and process it themselves. If they do not have sufficient understanding, the stimuli received will directly affect them,” he said.

He added that the process of development, including emotional maturity and controlling thoughts, will grow along with the direct experiences they obtain.

“As a psychologist, I also hope that this regulation is properly socialised, so that all parties can accept and understand its purpose positively,” he stated.