Teenagers Play with Gadgets Too Often, Minister of Population and Family Development: Mental Health is Formed by Habits

Minister of Population and Family Development, Wihaji (Adelia/VOI)

JAKARTA - The Minister of Population and Family Development (Mendukbangga)/Head of the National Population and Family Planning Board (BKKBN), Wihaji, emphasized the importance of strengthening the role of Generation Planning (Genre) in shaping the quality of human resources in the future. He stated that teenagers are a significant asset with the power to build civilization.

"Teenagers have power, teenagers have something, teenagers can create civilization. Therefore, teenagers must be given special space," said Wihaji, when met at the Kemendukbangga/BKKBN office in East Jakarta on Thursday, August 14, 2025.

According to him, the government must also pay attention to teenagers with disabilities, including the deaf.

"Of course, the government must be present and provide space for our deaf friends," he said.

Wihaji highlighted the passive habits of some teenagers.

"Teenagers often enjoy lying down. This has a tremendous impact on their mental health, especially with the use of technology. Why is their hobby now lying down? Because lying down is seen as a problem that can be solved with a cellphone," he said.

He explained that gadgets have now become an inseparable part of teenagers' lives.

"What's the problem with cell phones? Because they become a new family that influences the mental health of teenagers. With all their strengths, there are certainly weaknesses," he said.

Wihaji emphasized the importance of developing mental health from an early age.

"I agree that mental health is a strength, and it begins to develop between the ages of 10 and 20. Because once it becomes mental health, it will become behavior," he added.

"Mental health begins with knowledge, then becomes attitudes and behavior, and finally, a mental health is formed," he continued.

He added that a strong mental health will prepare teenagers to face challenges.

"If you have a fighter's mental health, it doesn't matter where you're placed. You can solve any problem. If you don't have money, you know how. It's simple, but that's mental strength," he explained.

In the context of International Youth Day, Wihaji touched on the impact of high gadget use.

"I agree that this is our future generation. You spend 7-8 hours on your cell phone every day. Ultimately, it forms algorithms, becomes knowledge, influences attitudes, behavior, and shapes your mental health," he explained.

He concluded with a message that changing times and the acceleration of civilization will continue to influence the mentality of the younger generation.

"The world is indeed moving rapidly, and so is its development. Their mentality is influenced by the acceleration of global civilization. The most important thing is that the government has provided space, a place, and power, especially since all forums involve them," Wihaji concluded.