Role of the Family Becomes Key to the Effectiveness of Gadget Restrictions for Children
The government’s efforts to restrict digital access for children under 16 years old through Ministerial Regulation on Communication and Digital Affairs Number 9 of 2026 have received appreciation from experts. However, the regulation is considered not to be optimal without active involvement from the family as the child’s closest environment.
Professor of the Faculty of Psychology at the University of Indonesia, Prof. Dr. Rose Mini Agoes Salim M.Psi, emphasises that the primary responsibility for controlling gadget use remains with parents.
According to this psychologist, who is familiarly called Romi, restrictions without providing replacement activities will only trigger resistance in children.
“But the responsibility in this matter (restricting gadget use) also lies with the people closest to the child, namely the family,” said Prof. Romi, quoted on Thursday (19/3).
Prof. Romi acknowledges that current family dynamics are quite challenging, especially for parents who both work.
Although supervision time is limited, she suggests that families create programmes or small engaging activities so that children do not feel pressured when asked to put down their gadgets.
The implementation of this rule can be done flexibly, by either father, mother, or both. Even, the陪伴 task can be delegated to caregivers or trusted individuals, as long as they follow the programme that has been prepared by the parents.
“When there is someone looking after our child, we have already made a programme from the start. For example, making riddles or something, or creating a project together with siblings. This programme must be designed in such a way that the child is interested,” she added.
She warns that cutting off gadget access without providing fun alternative activities will make children confused and frustrated.
Parents are encouraged to create simple projects at home, such as writing works or observing nature around the house to spark curiosity.
More than just physical presence, Prof. Romi underlines the importance of emotional involvement. The passive presence of parents will not provide the stimulation that children need.
“Parents are close to the child but do not get involved, that will definitely make the child uncomfortable. Do not just sit physically, but also provide certain stimulation. That will also be challenging for the child,” she explained.
Although gadgets can be used to increase knowledge under supervision, Prof. Romi asserts that direct interaction is far superior for early childhood development, especially in stimulating fine motor skills, cognition, and emotional abilities.
This step aligns with the #OneQualityHour campaign promoted by the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen), which encourages families to provide special time without technological disturbances to build stronger emotional closeness. (Ant/Z-1)
Parental commitment is needed to ensure children have other occupations besides playing with gadgets, especially during the long Eid holiday period.
The government invites parents to bring back quality time at home through the #OneQualityHour With Family movement.
For the gadget rule to run effectively, parents need to apply reasonable and collaborative parenting patterns.
Parents need to differentiate gadget use for productive needs and entertainment.
Schools need to implement an educational and contextual approach so that the gadget restriction policy is not viewed negatively by students.
One of the main indicators that a child has reached the addiction stage is acute loss of self-control.