JAKARTA - Technology is inevitable, but for children who are in the growth period, screen time exposure is like a double-edged sword. dr. Farid Agung Rahmadi, Sp.A, pediatrician from IDAI, warns that the wrong choice of entertainment can affect the child's behavior to be impulsive or appear hyperactive due to the rhythm of the image that is too fast.
Main Screen Time Rules Based on Age
In order for children's growth and development to remain optimal in their golden period, the following are the recommended duration limits:
Age < 1 Year: It is absolutely not recommended to be exposed to the screen in any form.
Age < 2 Years: Only allowed for video calls with close family.
Age 2–6 Years: Maximum 1 hour per day. The requirement: the content must be of quality, accompanied by parents, and there is a two-way interaction.
Why should it be limited?
Reported by ANTARA, at the age of toddlers, the brain is developing very rapidly. Too much staring at the screen risks reducing the quantity and quality of direct interaction with the environment. As a result, the stimulation of children's motor, language, and social skills becomes not optimal.
Important Note: Parents do not need to be afraid of "tech-savvy" children if they are just getting to know technology at the age of 3 or 4. At this age, children's learning ability is very fast so that they will easily catch up with technology.
5 Tips for Parents in Managing Digital Media
Active assistance: Not just sitting next to the child, but helping them understand what they see and how to apply it in the real world.
Content curation: Monitor applications and types of viewing regularly. Make sure there is no element of violence or too aggressive image rhythm.
Don't Make It a "Soothing": Avoid using gadgets as the only way to silence a child who is having a tantrum or fuss.
1 Hour Before Bedtime: Make sure your child is free from the screen at least one hour before bedtime to maintain the quality of rest.
Be a Role Model: Children are great imitators. If children are prohibited from playing cellphones, parents must also commit not to play their gadgets in front of them.
The English, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, and French versions are automatically generated by the AI. So there may still be inaccuracies in translating, please always see Indonesian as our main language. (system supported by DigitalSiber.id)
