Children Up to Tantrum Addicted to Social Media, Parents Need to Know These Tips
JAKARTA - Psychologist Eka Renny Yustisia shares tips for parents in dealing with children who are addicted to social media (medsos) to trigger an emotional explosion (tantrum).
"This condition is a serious challenge because exposure to digital content continuously makes children's brains accustomed to rapid spikes in pleasure hormones from high stimulation activities such as social media (instant dopamine)," he said in Jambi, Monday.
He said that children who are suddenly stopped from digital activities tend to experience excessive emotional reactions that resemble symptoms of substance withdrawal or withdrawal, which often trigger emotional outbursts such as anger, crying, and difficulty being controlled by parents.
"We advise parents to validate their child's emotions without justifying the behavior. Parents need to show empathy by understanding the child's feelings so that their emotional system slowly becomes calmer. In addition, parents are advised to implement a transition technique by gradually setting a time limit before the child stops using the gadget," he said as quoted by ANTARA.
His party emphasized the implementation of digital detox rules in the family because parents and children must carry out a screen-free agreement at certain times in order to create consistency and an example in the use of digital devices.
Eka also encourages parents to replace digital activities with physical activities or interactive games that can help balance the emotional condition of children, then parents also need to monitor the type of content consumed so as not to trigger excessive stimulation.
"Parents can help children manage emotions, as well as form healthier social media usage habits with the right and consistent approach," he said.
Meanwhile, Dewi as a parent fills the child's free time with archery to reduce dependence on gadgets, because archery is considered not only to keep children away from cellphones, but also to train patience and increase focus.