How To Help Children Free From Fear Of Disadvantage Or Fear Of Missing Out

JAKARTA - In the era of virtually non-stop social media and digital connectivity, FOMO or fear of missing out is not just an adult phenomenon. Children who often feel it: afraid of not being invited to the event, jealous of friends who seem 'more happy' on social media, or always checking what their friends are doing.

How can you as a parent or companion help your child face and release that fear? Here are some effective steps based on the recommendations of psychologists and parenting experts to launch the Parents page, Monday, September 22.

Before stepping into ways to help, it is important to understand first what FOMO looks like in children, so that you are sensitive and can act appropriately.

Some of the symptoms to note:

The following are strategies that can be applied consistently in family life:

Speak honestly and openly

Create a safe space where children can express their fear, envy, or disappointment without feeling judged. Parents can share personal experiences about having been 'disadvantaged' as a way to validate their child's feelings that it's normal. Giving a name to his feelings, for example, 'I feel sad because my friend left, but I wasn't invited to help the child understand and control his emotions.

Teach media literacy (media literacy)

Children need to understand that what they see on social media is not a full reflection of reality. Many content is already 'dipoles', featuring only beautiful moments, without showing behind-the-scenes failures or difficulties. Discussing about how comparisons with ideal images can be misleading.

Transfer focus to offline activities and identity

Encourage children to develop hobbies or interests that do not depend on social media or on peer acceptance. When a child has something he is good at or likes, music, sports, arts, reads. This is because it gives a sense of achievement and a more stable identity beyond social expectations.

Restrictions on the use of gadgets and screen time (screen time)

Together with children, define an agreement on when and how to use digital devices. For example, not bringing your phone to your bedroom late at night, setting the time without gadgets as part of your family's routine, or trying out weekends without much digital activity (tech flight weekends'). It is also important that parents imitate. If children see parents can 'lay their cellphones' and be present in full in interaction, children will be easier to follow.

Normalization of loss / experience miss out

It is important to show that losing something or not participating in an event does not mean failing or less valuable. Parents can help their children understand that it is impossible to get everything, and that choosing not to participate in something can be an opportunity to enjoy calm, find other meaningful things, which experts call joy of missing out (JOMO).

Sometimes FOMO is just a phase that can be faced with the support of family and the environment. However, if:

So it's time for parents to consider consulting with a child psychologist or mental health worker.

FOMO in children is not a sign of weakness, but rather part of a real psychological condition in an era where social media and social expectations are so strong. With open communication, media literacy, self-development, and healthy digital boundaries, you can help your child move towards a more balanced life. Where they are able to appreciate the moments they have and don't keep feeling 'depleted.'