Introduce More Children To Traditional Games So They Don't Get Addicted

Photo by Charlein Gracia on Unsplash

JAKARTA - Parents are asked to re-introduce traditional games. The goal is to prevent children from being addicted to gadgets.

"Traditional toys in my time are like clogs and marbles. Now it's great to bring back traditional games," said the Head of the Maternity, Child and Adolescent Behavior Working Team of the Ministry of Health, Herawati in Jakarta, Thursday, August 25, quoted from Antara.

Admittedly, there have been new changes since the COVID-19 pandemic. Like it or not, children can use gadgets for a longer period of time. Not infrequently, children still play it even though the online learning hours are over.

The high time playing gadgets, finally has an impact on the nature of children who are more likely to like to be alone and turn children into addictions or what is commonly called gadget addiction.

“Children become dependent and can eventually become busy with gadgets. Children don't think about the environment, eventually their psychological, physical and social growth is disrupted because they don't want to automatically interact with others," he said.

With the presence of traditional games such as clogs, gobak sodor or marbles, according to Herawati, children can have a more interesting and exciting place to play.

Traditional games that prioritize intimacy with playmates and focus children to think strategies and build teamwork, he said, make children's growth and development more optimal.

"With traditional games too, the relationship between parents and children can be closer because there will be a lot of communication built, so that children feel happy and are more happy to actively play," he said.

Herawati also suggested that if it is permissible to use gadgets, it is better for parents to make an agreement about the duration of their use.

"It is intended that children know their responsibilities and avoid addiction. Parents also need to monitor what features or applications are opened by children to avoid fraud in surfing the internet," he said.

Gadget addiction in children can indeed cause mental disorders if not addressed immediately. 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.

"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, Sis Seto some time ago.

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, it's not. It's also not time to study. Keep playing gadgets. Sometimes he locks himself in his room. Or is grumpy. Angry, now you have to be alert. There's something what's wrong with the child's soul," said Kak Seto.