Screen Exposure for Children Under Two Risks Hindering Development

Jakarta — Handing a gadget to a fussy child is often a go-to solution for some parents to calm them down. However, this habit is considered to actually hinder a child’s growth and development, especially for those under the age of two, which is a golden period of development.

Paediatric specialist and consultant in social paediatrics growth and development, Dr. dr. I Gusti Ayu Trisna Windiani, stated that children under two years old should ideally not be introduced to gadgets. This is because gadgets can affect a child’s growth and development.

This is also in line with guidelines from the Indonesian Paediatric Society (IDAI) and the World Health Organisation (WHO), which recommend zero screen time for children under the age of two. The only exception is brief video calls with parental accompaniment.

‘Children under 2 years old should not be given gadgets first. Because it can affect the child’s growth,’ said Dr. Trisna during a webinar held by IDAI, monitored in Jakarta on Tuesday.

Dr. Trisna explained that the age from zero to two years is part of the first 1,000 Days of Life (HPK), the period from conception in the womb until the child turns two years old. This period is a golden age that determines the quality of a child’s growth and development.

During this time, Dr. Trisna said, children need optimal psychosocial stimulation through direct interaction with parents, play activities, and environmental exploration. Early exposure to gadgets can actually reduce a child’s opportunity to obtain such stimulation because the child’s attention is more focused on the screen than on their surroundings.

The use of gadgets not only potentially affects a child’s social and behavioural development but also impacts eating patterns, sleep patterns, and the overall growth and development process. ‘So gadgets can affect eating patterns, sleep patterns, then behaviour and development. Therefore, parents need to be present; do not let children grow up with gadgets,’ said Dr. Trisna.

In addition to avoiding screen exposure, parents also need to ensure children receive adequate nutritional intake and quality sleep. Nutritional intake for children during the first 1,000 days of life can be fulfilled with exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months, followed by balanced nutritious complementary foods (MPASI) until the child is 2 years old.

‘So it is true, nutrition is very important for a child’s growth and development. If a child’s nutrition is good, then their growth and development will be optimal,’ she said.