The issue of gadget dependence, especially among children, is receiving increasing attention in today's digital world. Excessive time using devices not only affects physical health, but also hinders cognitive development and social skills.
Overcoming this problem requires efforts from parents and other parties involved to set limits on using gadgets and encourage children to do other activities. You as a parent need to understand other factors surrounding gadgets such as usage data, causes of dependency, negative effects of gadgets, as well as solutions to these problems.
Gadget Usage Data
Excessive use of gadgets or gadgets is a phenomenon that is increasingly common in modern times like now. A survey says that most children play gadgets for more than 2 hours per day. This figure can reach 4.5 per day while physical activity carried out outdoors is less than 1 hour.
Other data from BPS in 2022 shows that 33.44% of children under the age of 6 in the country are already fluent in using various devices. Meanwhile, 24.96% of children in this category are also fluent in using the internet.
This figure continues to increase along with the growth of technology and the availability of internet access throughout the world. This growth in numbers is even more disturbing because using a device for more than 3 hours every day can cause users to become dependent.
Causes of Device Addiction
To be able to find a solution to this problem, first identify the factors causing it, namely:
- Internal Factors
This internal factor refers to the ability to control oneself which is still lacking. Children's control abilities are still developing and parents need to intervene in controlling this. - Situational Factors
This factor refers to the conditions and situations felt by the child. Gadgets are an escape for children who feel lonely, stressed, sad and bored because they don't have anything to do in their free time. - External Factors
These external factors originate from several things, namely:
- Influence from peers who also spend a lot of time in front of gadget screens.
- Ease of access to technology, with increasingly easy and cheap prices for gadget devices and the availability of internet access in remote villages
- Lack of parental control, there is even a tendency for adults to let children use devices so that they do not interfere with their busy lives.
Negative Impact of Gadget Dependence
Device addiction has a negative impact on children's growth and development where children can experience things such as:
- Health problems
Various health problems can arise in children who spend time playing games on their gadgets. These health problems can include vision problems, poor posture, and even sleep disorders.
Motor development in early childhood can also be hampered. Children tend to sit still more so that their gross and fine motor development is less than optimal. - Cognitive Developmental Disorders
Research also finds that excessive exposure to gadget screens can cause obstacles to cognitive development, including the ability to concentrate, memory and problem solving. - Barriers to Social Interaction
Addiction to devices makes children tend to be lazy about social interactions with other people, leading to a decline in interpersonal skills, effective communication skills, and an impact on language skills. - Influences Children's Brain Development
This addiction problem apparently also affects the production of the hormone dopamine in the brain. This hormone will be produced in excessive amounts and disrupt the function of the Pre Frontal Cortex, which is the part of the brain that regulates the child's ability to control oneself, take responsibility and emotional abilities.
Overcoming the Problem of Device Addiction
The solution to overcoming the problem of gadget addiction is at least three main things for you to do. This includes setting limits on time using devices, encouraging children to pursue other activities or hobbies, and being a role model for children.
- Time of Use Limitations
You must be firm in setting these boundaries. The recommendation for gadget use for ages 2-5 years is a maximum of 1 hour a day, while for ages 6 years and over a maximum of 3 hours a day.
Create firm and effective boundaries by:
- Make a time schedule for when you can use gadgets every day
- Arranging an area that allows children to play with devices, for example only in the family room, while it is not allowed in the dining room and bedroom.
- Encourage children to pursue various hobbies and other activities - Activities and Hobbies
Encourage your child to do a variety of activities and pursue other hobbies. These activities can support development in terms of motoric, emotional, mental and social aspects.
These activities can take the form of:
- Outdoor activities such as cycling, hiking and gardening
- Sports such as football, badminton, basketball, or martial arts activities
- Arts and crafts activities such as music lessons and painting lessons
- Reading and storytelling for you to do with your children - Role Model for Children
Children are the best imitators. Be a role model and show how to use electronic devices responsibly. Children who grow up seeing their parents' ability to consistently regulate the use of devices will have self-control in using these technological tools.
Conclusion
Addressing the problem of addiction to these technological tools requires a comprehensive approach. This approach begins with an understanding of the gadget phenomenon in the country, the causes of addiction, and any negative impacts that can occur.
Starting from this understanding, you can implement appropriate steps to overcome addiction. Start by setting time limits for playing with gadgets, encouraging children to pursue various other activities, and establishing themselves as good role models. This will help children learn to build a balanced relationship with technology both now and in the future.
