Importance of Learning English for Elementary School Children

Source: marketing-interactive.com Recently, the government's policy to restrict or even block access to Roblox for children under the age of 16 has become a hot topic among parents. This move was triggered by the rampant cases of grooming (online child sexual abuse) and the spread of age-inappropriate content on the platform. As parents, it is natural to feel concerned. However, let us examine this phenomenon from a global perspective. In Australia, despite facing the same level of cybercrime risks, Roblox continues to operate without any restrictions. Why is the approach so different? Different Perspectives: Gaming Platform vs Social Media There are two main reasons why the Australian government did not take extreme measures such as a total block: Viewed as a Creative Ecosystem Platform, Not Just Social Media The Australian government and its digital regulatory agency view Roblox primarily as a gaming platform where children can learn to be creative, not just social media. Their regulatory focus is on the responsibility of game developers to create a safe environment, not on blocking access for users. Default Private Policy for Children's Accounts Through the Safety by Design initiative, the Australian government urges platforms to provide automatic protection. As a result, children's accounts there are set to private mode by default. This means that the chat feature with strangers and profile visibility are closed from the moment they register. So, what about children in Indonesia? The main control currently lies in the hands of parents. Parents must proactively activate security features manually. It's quite easy to do: go to the Settings menu, then select Parental Controls. There, parents can activate the Parent PIN so that children cannot change the settings, as well as turn off the chat feature to close two-way communication with strangers. Is Blocking Enough? The answer: No. Blocking one application may provide a temporary sense of security, but it does not solve the root of the problem. The digital world is vast. Currently, almost all online games have two-way communication features. If access to Roblox is closed, potential digital crimes such as cyberbullying or grooming can still lurk around children through other games or platforms. Closing one door will not stop ‘uninvited guests’ from looking for an open window. The only strong defence that children can take with them wherever they surf is digital literacy. Children must be equipped with critical thinking skills when communicating online. They must understand stranger danger (the danger of strangers in the virtual world), game literacy, and mindful messaging (thinking before responding to messages). Turning Concerns into Potential Teaching children technical digital literacy can sometimes be confusing. The language we use is often difficult for them to understand, or even comes across as lecturing. If parents are unsure where to start, entrusting this education to the experts is the wisest choice. At Timedoor Academy, children are not only taught to be passive consumers of games, but are guided to be productive creators. They can learn to make their own games using Roblox Studio in a 100% safe and monitored environment. Moreover, the Timedoor Academy curriculum incorporates digital literacy material in a fun and age-appropriate way. They will learn to recognise the characteristics of cyberbullying, understand privacy boundaries, and how to protect themselves online. In this era of artificial intelligence and rapidly advancing technology, limiting children's exploration risks leaving them far behind their peers. Children who are not equipped with technological skills and digital literacy from an early age will miss out on many opportunities in the future. Ensure your little ones are ready to face the challenges of the digital world with their full potential. Parents can secure their first steps by consulting for free at Timedoor Academy. The opportunity to provide protection while developing your child's talents is right before your eyes, do not delay in making a decision. Reading References for Parents: Australian eSafety Commissioner: Protecting children on gaming platforms Roblox Corp: Safety and Civility - Parent Guide UNICEF: Digital Literacy for Children and Teens Prepare your little one for the future through exciting learning experiences. Sign up for a free trial  session now!

Causes of stunting in children remains one of the most serious public health challenges globally. This condition not only affects a child’s height, making them shorter than their peers, but it also impacts brain development and long-term cognitive ability. To prevent this condition early, it is essential for parents and caregivers to understand the main causes of stunting in children and how to effectively address them. In this article, we will explore five key causes of stunting in children along with practical solutions that can support optimal growth and development. 1. Poor Nutritional Intake During Pregnancy One of the leading causes of stunting in children is inadequate nutrition during pregnancy. When a pregnant mother does not consume a well-balanced diet, there is a higher risk of giving birth to babies with low birth weight, which is an early factor that can lead to stunting. A fetus depends entirely on the nutrients the mother consumes. A lack of important micronutrients such as iron, folic acid, and calcium can hinder fetal growth. It is therefore crucial for expectant mothers to maintain regular check-ups and follow a nutritious, balanced diet from the beginning of pregnancy. 2. Inadequate Exclusive Breastfeeding Another common cause of stunting in children is the lack of exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life. Breast milk contains all the essential nutrients a baby needs, including antibodies that protect against infection. Babies who do not receive exclusive breastfeeding or who are introduced to complementary food too early are at higher risk of nutrient deficiencies that may affect growth. After six months, it is recommended to introduce complementary foods that are age-appropriate and nutrient-dense, while continuing to breastfeed. 3. Unbalanced Diet During Toddler Years After the breastfeeding stage, children need a daily intake of nutritious foods to support their growth. A frequent cause of stunting in children is an unbalanced diet that relies heavily on carbohydrates but lacks adequate protein, vitamins, and minerals. Children’s meals should include diverse food groups such as animal and plant-based proteins, vegetables, fruits, and energy sources like rice or tubers. Serving colorful and varied meals is a simple way to ensure that children receive the nutrients they need to grow optimally. 4. Frequent Infections and Poor Sanitation Repeated infections such as diarrhea, respiratory illness, and worm infestations are also major contributors to stunting in children. When a child is frequently ill, their body uses energy to fight off infections rather than to grow. This reduces nutrient absorption and may gradually impair development. Poor sanitation, unsafe drinking water, and lack of access to clean toilets increase the risk of infectious diseases. Families should ensure a clean living environment and teach children good hygiene habits, such as washing hands with soap before meals and after using the toilet. 5. Limited Parental Knowledge of Nutrition and Development A lack of awareness about nutrition and child development among parents is an indirect but significant factor contributing to stunting in children. Many caregivers are unaware of how to track their child’s growth or recognize early signs of nutritional deficiencies. Visiting local health centers, participating in parenting classes, or accessing online consultations with nutritionists can help improve parents’ knowledge. With the right information, parents can take preventive steps early and ensure their child grows up healthy and strong. How to Effectively Prevent Stunting in Children Stunting does not happen overnight. It is often the result of multiple contributing factors from pregnancy through the first two years of life. This period, known as the first 1,000 days of life, is critical for building a child’s foundation for long-term health and development. Some effective steps parents can take include: Eating a balanced diet during pregnancy Exclusively breastfeeding for the first six months Introducing nutritious complementary foods from six months onward Practicing good hygiene and maintaining clean living conditions Regularly monitoring child growth with healthcare professionals Public education on proper nutrition and sanitation must also be expanded so that every child has an equal chance to grow and thrive. Healthy Body, Healthy Brain, and Digital Skills Too Understanding the causes of stunting in children is the first step in making informed decisions about their well-being. Alongside proper nutrition and health care, it is also beneficial to introduce children to future-ready skills such as coding. Timedoor Academy offers fun, interactive online coding classes tailored for kids. These classes help develop logical thinking and creativity in a child-friendly environment. Try a free trial class now at Timedoor Academy!

Technology has brought many changes to education, including how children learn. Nowadays, laptops and tablets have become common learning tools. However, many parents still wonder: what is the best age for kids to use laptops, and at what age can kids start using laptops safely and effectively? This article provides a guide on the right age for children to start using laptops for learning, the benefits and challenges to consider, and tips to help ensure laptop use supports their development in the best way possible.   Why Is It Important to Consider Age When Letting Kids Use Laptops? Laptops and other digital devices make learning easier with wide access to information, interactive educational apps, and fast communication tools. However, early and unsupervised use of technology can pose risks like eye strain, posture problems, and screen dependency. That’s why parents need to know the best age for kids to use laptops so the benefits are maximized without compromising their health and social development. Choosing the right time also helps kids be mentally and cognitively ready to handle technology in a healthy way.   So, What Age Can Kids Start Using Laptops? There’s no strict rule because every child develops differently. But experts generally recommend: Under 2 years old: Avoid screen time including laptops and tablets, since brain development at this age depends heavily on direct physical and social interaction. Ages 2–5: Limit screen time to no more than 1 hour per day, and use devices only with educational content supervised by parents. 6 years and older: Kids can start using laptops for learning for longer periods, but with clear time limits and adult supervision. So, the age when kids can start freely using laptops for learning is usually around elementary school age—starting from 6 years old—with guidance and rules in place.   Benefits of Using Laptops for Kids’ Learning Using laptops appropriately by age and need offers many benefits, including: Access to Diverse Learning Resources: Kids can explore a variety of online sources like educational videos, e-books, and interactive apps. Development of Digital Skills: In today’s digital world, knowing how to use technology is a crucial skill that should be developed early. Boosting Creativity and Independence: Children can create digital projects like drawings, videos, or basic coding that stimulate creativity. Ease of Communication and Collaboration: Laptops enable kids to communicate easily with teachers and classmates, especially in remote learning.   Challenges and Risks of Laptop Use for Kids Despite the benefits, parents should be aware of some risks: Excessive Screen Time: Can cause eye fatigue, sleep disturbances, and other health issues. Poor Posture: Long use without ergonomic setups can lead to neck and back pain. Social and Emotional Issues: Dependence on devices may reduce social interaction and physical activity. Inappropriate Content: Kids might access unsuitable material without supervision.   Tips for Choosing the Best Age for Kids to Use Laptops Safely To ensure positive laptop use, consider these tips: Start Slowly and Gradually: Adjust laptop time based on your child’s age and focus capacity. Monitor and Supervise: Always stay with your child while they use the laptop, especially when young. Choose Educational Content: Make sure apps and websites are age-appropriate and support learning. Set Up Proper Posture and Breaks: Provide ergonomic seating and regular rest periods. Set Rules and Schedules: Agree on time limits to prevent overuse.   Supporting Your Child’s Tech Learning Journey To help your child use technology effectively and appropriately, besides knowing the best age for kids to use laptops, it’s important to introduce fun and age-appropriate coding lessons. Timedoor Academy offers specially designed coding programs for kids, with easy-to-understand and engaging methods. Don’t hesitate to try it out, because Timedoor Academy also provides free trial classes that let parents and children explore coding without pressure before committing fully. This is a great first step to support your child’s digital development for the future.   Best Age for Kids to Use Laptops and When It’s Appropriate Determining the best age for kids to use laptops and when they can safely start isn’t just about numbers, but also about the child’s mental, physical, and social readiness. Generally, elementary school age is an ideal time to begin using laptops as learning tools, with supervised and limited use. Healthy and purposeful laptop use opens up many learning opportunities and helps develop essential skills in the digital age. Therefore, parents should actively guide and regulate technology use so it supports their child’s overall growth.