The ubiquitous presence of digital devices has fundamentally altered the landscape of childhood in Indonesia, transforming screens into integral tools for education, entertainment, and social interaction. From engaging with educational videos and participating in online classes to enjoying video games, digital displays have become an almost inseparable facet of children’s daily lives. However, this pervasive integration raises critical questions about the potential downsides of excessive screen time, which experts warn can negatively impact sleep quality, eye health, physical activity, and crucial social and emotional development.
This complex issue was recently highlighted at the Morinaga Door of Future ‘Dunia Generasi Platinum Advance Intelligence Lab’ event in Jakarta on Saturday, July 25, 2026. The event, which focused on fostering early childhood development in the digital age, provided a platform for parents and experts to discuss their strategies and concerns regarding children’s engagement with technology.
Parental Strategies: Navigating the Screen Time Tightrope
Parents in Indonesia are actively grappling with establishing healthy boundaries for their children’s digital consumption. Two distinct approaches, shared at the Jakarta event, illustrate the diverse strategies being employed.
Fitri, a 32-year-old mother, has chosen a cautious approach with her two-year-old daughter, Zoya. Recognizing the potential risks of direct smartphone access for such a young child, Fitri has opted to restrict Zoya’s digital engagement primarily to television viewing. "If it’s screen time like on TV, just watching, I still allow it," Fitri explained. "But, at most, it’s only 30 minutes a day." Her rationale for this controlled television access is rooted in its perceived educational benefits. Fitri believes that through carefully selected television programs, Zoya can learn foundational skills, including language acquisition, dance, and music. Crucially, Fitri emphasizes the importance of co-viewing. "But it’s still controlled, I still watch with her," she stated, underscoring her active role in mediating Zoya’s media experience.
In contrast, Rahma, a 23-year-old mother, has implemented a weekend-only policy for her three-year-old son, Rasafah. Her family’s routine, which involves schooling from Monday to Thursday, dictates that gadget access is reserved for Saturdays and Sundays. "Since school is Monday to Thursday, I give it to him, at most, on Saturday or Sunday," Rahma said. "Usually, it’s twice a day, in the afternoon or in the evening, for a maximum of 30 minutes." Rahma acknowledges the inherent trade-offs in allowing screen time for young children, particularly those under five years old. She observed both positive and negative outcomes from Rasafah’s limited gadget use. "The plus side is that he sometimes memorizes songs from YouTube," she noted. "But the downside is that when he’s watching YouTube, if you call him, he tends to be difficult to get attention." This observation highlights a common parental concern: the potential for screens to create a disconnect between children and their immediate environment.
Expert Perspectives: The Growing Body of Evidence
The parental anecdotes shared at the Morinaga event align with a growing body of scientific research highlighting the nuanced effects of screen time on child development. Organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) have established guidelines for screen time exposure in young children, emphasizing the importance of limiting sedentary screen time and prioritizing active play and interactive experiences.
For instance, WHO recommendations suggest that children aged 1-2 years should have no more than one hour of sedentary screen time per day, and ideally less. For children aged 2-5 years, sedentary screen time should be limited to no more than one hour per day. These recommendations are based on extensive studies that have linked excessive screen time in early childhood to various developmental challenges.
Potential Risks Associated with Excessive Screen Time:
- Sleep Disturbances: The blue light emitted from screens can interfere with the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep, leading to difficulties falling asleep and poorer sleep quality. This can have cascading effects on a child’s mood, concentration, and overall health.
- Ocular Health Issues: Prolonged exposure to screens, especially at close range, can contribute to eye strain, dry eyes, and potentially exacerbate or accelerate the onset of myopia (nearsightedness). Regular breaks and maintaining appropriate viewing distances are crucial preventative measures.
- Reduced Physical Activity: Time spent in front of screens often displaces opportunities for physical activity, which is vital for developing gross motor skills, cardiovascular health, and preventing childhood obesity.
- Social and Emotional Development: While some educational apps can foster learning, excessive passive screen consumption can limit opportunities for face-to-face interaction, imaginative play, and the development of crucial social cues and empathy. Delayed language development and difficulties with emotional regulation have also been observed in children with high screen exposure.
- Cognitive Impacts: While some educational content can be beneficial, over-reliance on digital media may hinder the development of critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and sustained attention spans, particularly if the content is not interactive or age-appropriate.
The Indonesian Context: Cultural Adaptation and Technological Integration
The Indonesian context presents unique challenges and opportunities in managing children’s digital engagement. With a rapidly growing internet penetration rate and a young, tech-savvy population, digital devices are increasingly accessible across various socioeconomic strata. Events like the Morinaga ‘Dunia Generasi Platinum’ initiative aim to equip parents with the knowledge and tools to navigate this evolving landscape.
The "Door of Future" concept itself implies a forward-looking perspective, suggesting that understanding and adapting to the digital future is essential for current child-rearing practices. The "Advance Intelligence Lab" component further emphasizes the focus on cognitive development and leveraging technology to enhance it, rather than solely viewing it as a potential threat.
The inclusion of "Generasi Platinum" in the event’s name suggests an aspiration for children to achieve their full potential, implying that technology can be a tool for advancement if used wisely. This aligns with global trends where educational technology is increasingly integrated into early learning frameworks.
Broader Implications and Future Outlook
The discussions and strategies shared by parents like Fitri and Rahma represent micro-level adaptations to a macro-level societal shift. The challenge for Indonesia, as for many nations, lies in fostering a balanced approach that harnesses the benefits of digital technology while mitigating its risks.
Key areas for consideration include:
- Educational Integration: Schools and early childhood education centers play a crucial role in guiding children’s digital literacy and responsible use. Developing age-appropriate digital curricula that emphasize critical thinking, creativity, and digital citizenship is paramount.
- Parental Education and Support: Initiatives that provide parents with evidence-based information, practical strategies, and support networks are vital. This includes educating them about the potential risks and benefits, as well as empowering them to set clear boundaries and model healthy digital habits.
- Content Regulation and Development: The availability of high-quality, age-appropriate educational content for children is crucial. This requires collaboration between educators, technology developers, and content creators to ensure that digital resources contribute positively to child development.
- Public Health Awareness Campaigns: Raising public awareness about the importance of balanced screen time and its impact on child health and development can create a societal consensus on best practices.
As technology continues to evolve, the dialogue surrounding its impact on children will undoubtedly persist. The experiences of Indonesian parents, as exemplified at the Morinaga event, offer valuable insights into the ongoing efforts to raise a generation that is digitally fluent, well-rounded, and prepared for the future, without sacrificing the fundamental aspects of healthy childhood development. The ultimate goal is to ensure that screens serve as tools for growth and connection, rather than becoming barriers to a child’s full potential.
