“If a child throws a tantrum over a gadget, that may already indicate signs of addiction. Something needs to be addressed,” Pritta said during a discussion in Jakarta on Thursday evening.
When a child becomes anxious after being separated from a device, that can also be one of the early symptoms of addiction. Other signs include losing interest in activities they previously enjoyed or struggling to think of alternatives to gadget use.
These symptoms may stem from a lack of physical activity and outdoor play, which limits children’s imagination, hooking them to games on gadgets.
“(In such cases) The parents may have failed to provide adequate supervision or introduced gadgets too early,” Pritta said.
She advised that once their child exhibits symptoms of gadget withdrawal, parents must take the gadget away. When dealing with tantrums, the first step is to ensure the child’s safety and stay close to them.
It is important to let the child express emotion -- whether through crying or acting out -- and wait until they calm down before offering physical comfort.
“Validate their emotions, for example, by saying, ‘Mommy and Daddy know you’re upset, but your time is up now.’ Wait until they’ve settled, then offer a drink or help them wipe their face,” Pritta advised.
She further stressed that children should only begin consuming digital content after they turn 3, and that too, under adult supervision. Screen time for this age group can start with 15 minutes and go up to a maximum of one hour per day.
Independent gadget use can start at ages 4 to 5, she said. Meanwhile, giving children a personal device is best reserved for ages 8 to 9, once they begin school and need such devices for assignments.
To prevent gadget addiction, Pritta emphasized that parents should offer alternative activities such as outdoor play or non-screen-based games. She also encouraged setting clear rules and explaining any features such as parental controls.
“There should be an agreement -- for example, that gadgets aren’t allowed in the bedroom, may only be used in the family room or parents’ bedroom, and must be turned off by a certain hour,” she said.
Translator: Primayanti
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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