Recently, there has been an increasingly prevalent phenomenon about internet addiction in children. This internet addiction often makes children indolent to study and impacts both physical and mental health.
dr. Shinta Retno Kusumawati, Sp.KJ., as UGM Academic Hospital psychiatric specialist, said that the main key to dealing with children who are addicted to the internet is to limit access to the internet.
She revealed that parents have an important role in overcoming internet addiction in children. Parents are expected to give time limits for children to access the internet.
"Please ensure that parents should make a contract with their children to access internet usage before providing gadgets or facilities to access the internet. For example, the length of the duration they access the internet. If they access more than the limit, what kind of sanctions to make them learn," she said in a discussion entitled Tips for Overcoming Internet Addiction in Adolescents during the Covdi-19 Pandemic, which was broadcast live at the Instagram platform of Academic Hospital UGM on Tuesday (27/10).
The next step is providing understanding to children regarding limiting the use of gadgets and the internet. Also, explain the negative effects they will get when addicted to the internet, such as the emergence of eye health problems, nerves, and even depression.
Moreover, provide children with alternative activities other than the internet, such as facilitating non-internet activities related to their hobbies or preferences.
"Redirect their activities to other activities that are more positive/useful," she said.
Author: Ika
Photo: Shutterstock.com
Translator: Natasa A