Deputy Minister for Population and Family Development (Wamendukbangga), Ratu Ayu Isyana Bagoes Oka, emphasized the importance of parents staying updated on their children’s interests and promoting physical activities to prevent them from getting addicted to games and gadgets. She shared these thoughts at the Double Check discussion on The Role of Family Development in Welcoming a Golden Indonesia 2045, hosted by the Presidential Communication Office (PCO) in collaboration with Gempita in Jakarta. Isyana highlighted the need for parents to be open to learning and familiarize themselves with current online applications to keep up with their children, who often grasp technology faster. She pointed out that children are naturally drawn to “cheap dopamine,” easily accessible through social media scrolling and online gaming, which can lead to addiction. The Deputy Minister suggested that sports and outdoor activities can also provide a source of dopamine, emphasizing the importance of physical movement. Veronica Tan, Deputy Minister for Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection, introduced the Ruang Bersama Indonesia (RBI) program as a safe and inclusive space for women, children, and communities to empower themselves, learn, play, and unleash creativity. Through RBI, Tan aims to offer children secure and engaging environments, promoting traditional and creative games, sports, and steering clear of gadget addiction.
Preventing Children’s Gadget Addiction with Physical Activity Spaces
