Besides Disturbing Physical Health, Gadget Addiction Can Also Affect Children's Mental Health

Illustration (Katerina Holmes/Pexels)

JAKARTA - Addiction to gadgets (devices) in children can affect and even cause mental disorders if not addressed immediately, explained Psychologist Prof. Dr. H. Seto Mulyadi, S. Psi., M.Sc. Children who are addicted to gadgets can suddenly get angry when the signal is difficult, the quota runs out, because they feel as if their enjoyment and comfort are not being fulfilled. In fact, some have even been admitted to a mental hospital, said the man who is familiarly called Kak Seto, adapting ANTARA, Tuesday, July 26.

"So from these various things, something that is enjoyed and feels comfortable with the situation, suddenly disappears suddenly, it can indeed cause stress for children. He can't learn socially, can't see how to socialize," explained the General Chairperson of the Child Protection Agency. Indonesia (LPAI).

Furthermore, Seto explained that there are several conditions that parents must watch out for when their child is addicted to gadgets. If the child is difficult to manage, interferes with eating patterns, worship and study time, this needs to be watched out for. Especially if the child's mood is difficult to control if kept away from the device.

"If the child has started to be disorganized. If he eats, he doesn't eat. If it's worship, no. No time to study either. Continue to play gadgets. Sometimes he locks himself in his room. Or is grumpy. Angry, now you have to be alert. There's something wrong. something is wrong with the child's soul," said Kak Seto.

If the child has experienced this, Kak Seto suggested that parents can take the time to communicate with their child. Thus, a friendly relationship between parents and children can be established so that children are not only focused on their gadgets.

"So get in the habit of holding family meetings. Or chatting, having fun chatting together, for example. Don't just give orders. But from now on, mom and dad want to hear what do you think we did wrong? That's it," said Kak Seto.

With dialogue, according to Kak Seto, friendship is established. Finally, the child is more comfortable that the father and mother have now changed. Not like it used to.

"Because it's also a place for children to run away. As soon as the mother gets angry, the father ignores it, that's all. He's really fun with gadgets," he concluded.