By Rhea Tritami, CNN Indonesia
Thursday, July 23, 2026, 17:15 WIB
The pervasive influence of the digital world, while offering unprecedented connectivity and access to information, has become a significant point of contention for parents worldwide, particularly as National Children’s Day approaches. Devices and the entertainment platforms they host are frequently viewed as adversaries, perceived as consuming children’s attention and potentially hindering their development. However, the reality is that digital technology is now intrinsically woven into the fabric of daily life. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, educational institutions have intensified their use of digital tools for teaching and learning, with the emergence of fully online schooling becoming a common fixture. Parents, too, are inseparable from their devices, utilizing them for communication, shopping, entertainment, and work. In this hyper-connected digital era, the pertinent question arises: is it still relevant to restrict children’s screen time, or is it time for parents to adapt their approach?
The Shifting Paradigm: From Restriction to Adaptation
Many parents adopt a restrictive approach to screen time, fearing that excessive gadget use will negatively impact their children’s social development. Others implement parental control applications and tools to prevent children from accessing inappropriate content. But is limiting screen time the sole, or even the most effective, solution? Is this restrictive model still relevant in today’s landscape?
Charyna Ayu, an Associate Professor and Lecturer at the Faculty of Education at the State Islamic University of Indonesia (UIII), argues that outright screen time restrictions are no longer relevant. With a background in developmental psychology and expertise in empathy and well-being for children, adolescents, and students, Ayu frames her perspective through Urie Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory.
"Technology is now truly integrated and merged into every layer of a child’s life," Ayu explained to CNNIndonesia.com during an interview at the UIII campus in Depok on July 7th. "It can no longer be separated from daily family interactions, from home-school communication via screens."
Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory posits that an individual’s development is influenced by interconnected environmental systems, ranging from family to broader societal, cultural, and environmental changes. The theory outlines five nested systems: the microsystem (immediate environment), mesosystem (connections between microsystems), exosystem (indirect influences), macrosystem (cultural values), and chronosystem (temporal changes).
The advent of information technology, the internet, and social media can be situated within the chronosystem, particularly in light of events like the pandemic. A clear example is how children were compelled to learn from home using gadgets due to COVID-19 lockdowns.
Furthermore, technology can impact the exosystem. For instance, a company’s policy allowing parents to work from home can alter parent-child dynamics, and consequently, a child’s relationship with technology. Children may learn their gadget usage habits from observing their parents working remotely.
Given this pervasive integration of digital technology into every aspect of a child’s life, restricting its use is becoming increasingly anachronistic. Moreover, Ayu points to numerous studies that indicate the relationship between screen time and child well-being is not always a direct, linear correlation.
"It [information technology] has infiltrated every line, shaping the child’s own patterns, including those of the parents," Ayu stated. She further elaborated that platform algorithms can subtly influence what individuals see and perceive, thereby impacting cultural norms for parenting.
Adaptation, therefore, emerges as a crucial strategy in the digital age. However, adaptation does not equate to relinquishing parental involvement in a child’s digital exploration.
The Parental "Panic" in the Digital Transition
The current generation of parents largely comprises Gen X and Millennials, individuals who have experienced the technological transition from analog to digital. Ayu observes that Millennials, in particular, exhibit a sense of "panic" as they navigate parenthood in this digital landscape.
"One thing I’ve noted is that the paradigm of screen time often stems from the anxieties of a generation that is still learning and trying to understand," Ayu remarked. "They are still grappling with, ‘What is this?’"
As a generation that has undergone significant technological shifts, parents often find themselves in a state of confusion, mirroring the initial excitement their children experience with new technology. The phenomenon of "sharenting"—sharing children’s content without their explicit consent—is a prime example of this emergent euphoria tied to social media.
According to Ayu, this occurs because the parental generation was not adequately trained in healthy technology use. Unlike their children, who may receive specific digital literacy education through formal schooling, parents are often learning by trial and error.
"So, we shouldn’t be ashamed to admit that we are all learning together, just like our children," Ayu urged. "This means we have a space, a zone, that we need to explore together."
Instead of succumbing to panic and imposing strict limitations on children’s digital activities, parents are encouraged to adopt a new perspective. Rather than focusing solely on the duration of screen time, it is more beneficial to consider what activities are being displaced by gadget use.
"What is screen time replacing?" Ayu questioned. "What child activities are being substituted? For instance, if bedtime is replaced by screen time, that is problematic."
Beyond sleep disruption, issues arise when screen time supplants other essential activities, including interactions with parents. This is when parental guidance becomes crucial, not for restriction, but for accompaniment and direction towards positive digital engagement.
As long as children can maintain their daily activities, including schoolwork and hobbies, Ayu suggests there is no cause for undue parental concern.
"So, we should look at changes in the child’s behavior," she advised. "As long as they can perform their activities well, maintain good academic performance, and continue their hobbies effectively, I believe these are the simplest indicators."
Supporting Data and Broader Context
The pervasive nature of digital technology is underscored by global statistics. As of 2023, over 5.3 billion people worldwide were internet users, representing approximately 66% of the global population. Mobile devices are the primary means of internet access for a significant portion of this user base. This widespread adoption highlights the inevitability of children’s exposure to digital environments.
The "digital native" generation, born into this tech-saturated world, possesses an innate familiarity with digital interfaces and platforms. However, this familiarity does not automatically equate to healthy or discerning usage. The rapid evolution of digital content, from educational apps to immersive gaming and social media, presents a complex ecosystem for children to navigate.
The shift in educational paradigms, accelerated by the pandemic, has further cemented technology’s role. In many regions, remote learning became the norm, necessitating widespread access to devices and reliable internet connectivity. While this facilitated continuity in education, it also amplified concerns about excessive screen time and its potential impact on physical and mental health. Studies have explored links between prolonged screen time and issues such as eye strain, sleep disturbances, sedentary lifestyles, and even potential impacts on attention spans and social-emotional development.
Expert Perspectives and Societal Implications
The insights provided by Charyna Ayu reflect a growing consensus among child development experts. The traditional "digital detox" or strict screen time limits, while well-intentioned, may not be the most effective long-term strategy. Instead, a focus on digital literacy, critical thinking, and mindful technology integration is gaining traction.
Dr. Anya Sharma, a child psychologist specializing in media and development, commented on the evolving parental role: "Parents today are not just educators but also navigators in a digital landscape they themselves are still exploring. The key is to foster an open dialogue with children about their online experiences, understand the platforms they use, and model healthy digital habits."
The societal implications of this digital immersion are far-reaching. The constant availability of digital entertainment can influence children’s play patterns, potentially reducing opportunities for unstructured, imaginative, and physically active play. Furthermore, the curated realities presented on social media can shape children’s perceptions of themselves and others, raising concerns about body image, social comparison, and cyberbullying.
Looking Ahead: A Collaborative Approach
The concept of "co-viewing" or "co-playing" with children, where parents actively participate in their children’s digital activities, is increasingly advocated. This approach allows parents to understand the content their children are engaging with, guide their interpretations, and discuss potential risks and benefits. It transforms screen time from a solitary activity into a shared experience, fostering connection and learning.
Educational institutions are also recognizing the need for a more nuanced approach to digital integration. Curricula are being developed to incorporate digital citizenship, online safety, and media literacy, equipping students with the skills to navigate the digital world responsibly.
Ultimately, National Children’s Day serves as a timely reminder for parents, educators, and society at large to re-evaluate our relationship with digital technology. Rather than viewing it solely as a threat, embracing a balanced and adaptive approach—one that prioritizes engagement, education, and mindful integration—is crucial for fostering the healthy development of children in the 21st century. The goal is not to eliminate screens but to harness their potential while mitigating their risks, ensuring that technology serves as a tool for growth and connection, rather than a barrier to it. The journey of adaptation is ongoing, and a collaborative effort between parents, children, and the wider community will be essential in navigating the ever-evolving digital frontier.
