Surabaya's Bold Step to Save Children from the Digital Prison

In the midst of the relentless digital tide shaping daily habits, one question grows increasingly urgent: how to protect children without demonising technology?

The city of Surabaya is attempting to answer it with an unconventional approach. The city government has designated a collective pause of two hours each day, from 6pm to 8pm WIB, as gadget-free time for families.

This policy is not merely an exhortation but a social movement targeting the core issue: family relationships slowly eroded by screens.

Behind this policy lies a genuine concern. Children now inhabit a complex digital landscape. Access to information is ever broader, but so are the risks, from exposure to age-inappropriate content and cyberbullying to the exploitation of personal data.

Therefore, the approach taken is not solely technology-based but also lifestyle-oriented. The two gadget-free hours are interpreted as a recovery space, not just for children but also for parents often trapped in the same digital routines.

In practice, Surabaya does not only limit time but also regulates access by age. Children under 13 are directed to use child-friendly applications, while older ages remain under parental supervision.

This approach demonstrates that child protection cannot be partial. It requires a combination of regulation, education, and habituation. Without it, children will continue to be vulnerable in an ever more open digital space.

The impacts are already becoming visible, particularly in the education sector. Interactions among students have increased, the learning atmosphere has become more focused, and communication with teachers has intensified when digital distractions are reduced.

In society, similar effects are emerging. Physical activities, public spaces, and community events become natural alternatives that help children distance themselves from gadgets.

Nevertheless, this policy is not without challenges. Not all families are ready to fill gadget-free time with quality interactions. Some are even at a loss when digital devices are set aside.