Psychologist warns of digital world's adverse impact on children's emotions
Denpasar (ANTARA) - A psychologist from the University of Indonesia (UI), Prof Dr Rose Mini Agoes Salim, has warned of the importance of guidance from parents and teachers in facing the negative impacts of the digital world, which is increasingly affecting children’s emotions and morals.
Speaking as a presenter at the PP Tunas Forum in Denpasar, Bali, on Thursday, Rose Mini explained that children today live in two worlds simultaneously: the real world and the digital world.
The digital world offers various forms of instant entertainment and provides rapid gratification, making children more inclined to spend their time in front of gadgets.
She explained that children aged 0-6 years are in a phase of very rapid brain development, making them prone to absorbing all received information without the ability to filter it. This condition makes children vulnerable to concentration disorders and easy distraction.
Meanwhile, children aged 7-12 years are beginning to socialise actively and explore the digital world. However, at this age, critical thinking skills and emotional control have not yet fully developed, making children easily influenced by various content encountered on the internet.
Rose Mini assessed that digital protection for children is not merely about limiting 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 application 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 outdoors, exercising, or engaging in enjoyable activities with the family.
“Prohibiting children from using gadgets without providing replacement activities will only make children feel a sense of loss and find it difficult to accept such rules,” she said.
Furthermore, Rose Mini also emphasised 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 are able to distinguish between good and bad behaviour, including when interacting in digital spaces.
She expressed hope that schools could serve as places that not only teach knowledge but also shape children’s character, enabling them to face the challenges of the digital world in a healthy and responsible manner.