Jun 25, 2024

How Should We Manage Gadget Addiction in Children?

How Should We Manage Gadget Addiction in Children? image

In this digital era, gadget addiction in children has become a major concern for parents. Excessive digital use can negatively impact a child’s physical, emotional, and social development. A notable study in Bangladesh identified a significant relationship between high gadget addiction and poor cognitive function among children. This research also indicated certain factors, including demographic and family dynamics.  However, parents should not worry too much as gadget addiction can be controlled. Before discussing ways to control gadget addiction, parents must first understand the causes of gadget addiction in children.

 

 

Causes of Gadget Addiction in Children

 

Attractive Digital Content

Kids Playing Game

The presence of applications, video games, and social media keeps children constantly engaged due to their attractive features. Passive engagement with entertainment through digital devices can have significant disadvantages and contribute to the development of gadget addiction in children. When children’s interactions with technology are primarily focused on passive consumption of content, rather than active learning or creative activities, it increases the risk of them becoming overly dependent on and addicted to their devices.

Furthermore, social media can make children feel valued and acknowledged through likes and comments, which can lead to addiction to validation. The algorithms behind these applications are designed to continually capture users’ attention, making it difficult for children to stop and increasing the likelihood of excessive use of social media and video games.

 

Lack of Alternative Activities

Children who do not have activities such as hobbies or other physical activities are more prone to gadget addiction. A lack of alternative activities will lead children to turn to digital devices to fill their free time.

Some academic studies indicated that increased screen time is often associated with higher rates of sedentary behavior, which includes prolonged periods of sitting or lying down. The impact of screen time on physical activity levels is significant, with evidence suggesting that screen engagement leads to decreased physical activity and increased risk of being overweight​

For example, children without physical activities will quickly become bored, and playing with gadgets becomes the go-to activity. Thus, a lack of social interaction and outdoor activities contributes to the increase in gadget use among your children.

 

Parental and Environmental Role

Parents Busy With Gadget

Children tend to imitate what they see. Studies have shown that young children often replicate what they see on screen or what is modeled by adults in their immediate surroundings.  If children see parents or people in their environment frequently using gadgets, they will feel that excessive gadget use is normal and will contribute to gadget addiction.

For example, if parents are often busy with their gadgets in front of their children, the children will assume this behavior is acceptable. Hence, parents have a significant influence in shaping their children’s habits.

 

Emotional Needs

Gadget addiction

Research indicates that children often use gadgets to cope with stress, boredom, or loneliness in real life. This behavior is associated with various mental health outcomes, and gadgets are sometimes used as a primary tool for emotional regulation. They see gadgets as a primary solution to their problems, not realizing that other activities, such as playing outside or interacting with friends, and any other things like that.

It’s true that Some studies suggest that such use can temporarily relieve stress but might not address underlying issues, leading to potential increases in depressive and anxiety symptoms later on.

Children who struggle to communicate or do not receive enough attention from their parents are likely to seek solace in gadgets. This can become a difficult habit to break without the proper steps from parents.



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Ways to Control Gadget Addiction in Children


 


Set Time Limits for Gadget Use


Screen Time Based on Age
Screen Time Limit Based on Age. Designed by Timedoor Academy


According to the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia, children under the age of 2 are recommended not to be given access to gadgets. If necessary, usage should not exceed 1 hour per day and must be supervised by parents. Children aged 2-5 years are recommended to have 1 hour daily. For children aged 6-12 years, it should not exceed 1.5 hours per day, and for children aged 12-18 years, it is 2 hours per day.


Parents can create a daily schedule that includes time for studying, playing outside, physical activities, and rest to help children understand the importance of balancing their time.


 


Give a Good Example




Children will imitate their parents’ habits. Therefore, parents must set a good example in using gadgets. Show your children that you have time limits and engage in other activities such as exercising.


Research suggests that parental behavior significantly influences children’s habits and attitudes toward technology. For example, parents can set rules not to use gadgets during dinner or family gatherings. This way, children will know there is a specific time for gadget use.


 


Encourage Other Positive Activities


Aktivitas untuk anak

Encourage your children to engage in various other activities, such as playing outside, drawing, exercising, or finding hobbies that match their interests and talents. Providing these activity options will help children shift their focus away from gadgets.


Additionally, encouraging children to participate in community or club activities can help them discover new interests and become more socially involved. This is effective in reducing screen time.


 


Educate About Gadget Use




According to BMC Psychiatry, excessive mobile device use among children is linked with various mental health outcomes like anxiety, stress, and poor educational performance. Teach your children about the consequences of excessive gadget use. Parents can explain the negative impacts and discuss with children how to use gadgets wisely. Developing digital literacy and gadget usage is important to help prevent potential gadget addiction in children. When children have the skills and understanding to use digital devices responsibly, they are less likely to become overly reliant on or addicted to them.”




This education can include information about the health risks associated with excessive gadget use. By understanding these risks, children can be more cautious when using gadgets.


 


Use Parental Controls


Google Family Link


In this practical era, parents do not need to worry too much about their children’s gadget activities. You can activate Parental Control features on your children’s devices. These controls can monitor the apps your children use, how long they use them, and even block inappropriate content. However, parents must also understand and respect their children’s privacy to maintain their comfort.


These controls can be accessed on various devices, such as Android, iOS, Windows, Google, and even home wifi routers. This way, you can feel more at ease by controlling your children’s activities through these features.


 


Involve Children in Educational Activities




Parents should take the right innovative approach in facing this digital era. If parents find it challenging to change their children’s gadget addiction to a more productive utilization, involve them in educational activities that use gadgets, such as language learning apps, coding, and programming classes, or educational games.


 


Those are some important points parents should consider regarding children’s gadget use. You can manage gadget addiction by utilizing technology educationally, as offered by Timedoor Academy.


Timedoor Academy offers IT Education classes for your beloved children to stay positively engaged with technology. Here, children will learn to utilize technology, including creating and developing their own games.


We offer trial classes for those who want to try it first. Register your children now and experience the benefits! Try it for free here.



                    


                    
                

            

        

    

    

    
            

        

            

                
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In today’s digital age, technological skills are no longer optional but essential. Children who grow up surrounded by digital tools will be much better prepared for the future if they gain a basic understanding of technology. One of the most enjoyable and effective ways to introduce technology to children is through learning coding while playing games for kids. This approach combines entertainment with education, allowing children to have fun while gaining valuable knowledge.







Is Coding Suitable for Children?







Many parents may still wonder if coding is appropriate for elementary school children. Questions like, “Can my child really understand programming concepts?” often arises. The answer is yes, because with learning coding while playing games for kids, complex material can be delivered in simple and interactive ways. Children do not need to grasp complicated math formulas right away. Instead, they are introduced to logical thinking and problem-solving through something they already love: playing games.







Developing Critical and Creative Thinking







One of the greatest benefits of learning coding while playing games for kids is how this method encourages critical thinking. While playing, children encounter specific challenges that require them to find solutions. For example, coding-based games often feature characters that move only when the player arranges the correct instructions. This trains children to think systematically and creatively at the same time.







Building Collaboration Skills



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Increasing Motivation to Learn Early On







Equally important, this method boosts intrinsic motivation. Children often get bored when learning is presented in conventional forms. However, when the experience feels like play, their curiosity grows. Every challenge in the game provides a sense of achievement that motivates them to continue. In other words, learning coding while playing games for kids is not only fun but also builds positive learning habits.







Insights from Education Experts



Education experts also support this method. They emphasize that 21st-century skills such as digital literacy, creativity, and problem-solving can be developed effectively through interactive learning. If parents want their children to be future-ready in a world full of technology, then choosing learning coding while playing games for kids is a wise decision.







The Role of Parents in Supporting Children



Of course, parents play a crucial role in supporting this journey. Accompanying children while they learn, offering encouragement when they face difficulties, and appreciating every small achievement will make the process more meaningful. With active parental involvement, the benefits of learning coding while playing games for kids can be fully maximized.







Timedoor Academy and Creative Curriculum



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Enroll Your Child at Timedoor Academy!





If you want your child to grow with strong future-ready skills, now is the perfect time to start. Enroll your child in the Free Trial program at Timedoor Academy and experience how coding can be both fun and meaningful. Click the registration button today and give your child the best opportunity to thrive.


                        

                    
                

                                

                    
                        

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Eid al-Adha is always associated with moments of togetherness and the tradition of sharing sacrificial meat. One of the best ways to celebrate this special day is by serving delicious homemade dishes for your loved ones. That’s why many people look for Eid al Adha food recipes that are unique, tasty, and different from previous years.



This time, we’re sharing five Eid al Adha food recipes you can try at home. These recipes are not only practical and delicious, but they are also perfect for enjoying with the whole family. By using the sacrificial meat, you can explore a variety of Indonesian dishes that are rich in flavor and tradition.







1. Lamb Satay with Peanut Sauce







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Ingredients:




500 grams lamb, cut into cubes



10 satay skewers



3 tablespoons sweet soy sauce



1 tablespoon cooking oil




Peanut Sauce:




100 grams fried peanuts, ground



2 cloves garlic



2 large red chilies



3 tablespoons tamarind water



Salt and sugar to taste




How to make:




Marinate the lamb with soy sauce and oil, let it sit for 30 minutes.



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Skewer the lamb and grill until cooked through.



Serve with peanut sauce and fried shallots.








2. Special Beef Curry (Gulai Sapi)







Beef curry is always a top choice among Eid al Adha food recipes. The rich yellow broth and tender beef are simply irresistible.



Ingredients:




500 grams beef, cut as desired



500 ml coconut milk



1 stalk lemongrass



2 bay leaves




Blended spices:




6 shallots



4 garlic cloves



2 cm ginger, turmeric, galangal



5 candlenuts



5 red chilies




How to make:




Sauté the blended spices, lemongrass, and bay leaves until fragrant.



Add the beef, mix well.



Pour in the coconut milk and simmer over low heat until the meat is tender and the broth thickens.



Serve hot.








3. Sweet and Spicy Lamb Stew (Tongseng)







Tongseng lamb is a wonderful alternative among Eid al Adha food recipes, especially if you love a soupy dish that’s rich in flavor.



Ingredients:




400 grams lamb



1/2 small cabbage, roughly sliced



2 tomatoes



5 shallots, 3 garlic cloves



3 bird’s eye chilies (or to taste)



2 kaffir lime leaves, 1 stalk lemongrass




How to make:




Sauté shallots, garlic, and chilies until fragrant.



Add the lamb, stir until the color changes.



Add kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, and tomatoes.



Add cabbage and enough water. Cook until the meat and cabbage are tender.








4. Fresh Beef Soup







Beef soup is a great Eid al Adha food recipe for children or elders because of its tender texture and refreshing broth.



Ingredients:




500 grams beef, cut into small pieces



2 carrots, sliced



2 potatoes, diced



1 stalk each of scallion and celery



1 tomato




How to make:




Boil the beef until tender, remove the foam.



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Serve the soup hot.








5. Purwakarta-style Maranggi Satay







If you want to try something different among Eid al Adha food recipes, maranggi satay is a great choice. The combination of beef and special seasonings makes this satay a family favorite.



Ingredients:




500 grams beef, cubed



2 tablespoons sweet soy sauce



1 tablespoon lime juice



1 tablespoon ground coriander




How to make:




Marinate the beef with soy sauce, lime juice, and coriander for 1 hour.



Skewer the beef and grill over charcoal until cooked.



Serve with spicy sambal or pickles.








Tips for Cooking Tender Sacrificial Meat



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Cut the meat against the grain so it becomes more tender when cooked.



Use grated pineapple or wrap the meat in papaya leaves during marination to soften it.



Cook on low heat to let the spices soak in thoroughly.








Making Eid al Adha More Meaningful and Educational





Eid al Adha is not just about enjoying a variety of Eid al Adha food recipes with your family. It is also the perfect time to teach values of togetherness, sharing, and creativity to your children. Get them involved in the kitchen, let them help prepare ingredients, and introduce them to traditional Indonesian cuisine.



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Autism and ADHD in children. In the world of child development, two terms that often confuse parents are autism and ADHD. Both are neurodevelopmental conditions that affect how children learn, behave, and interact. However, understanding the differences between autism and ADHD in children is crucial to ensure the right support and approach are given.



While they may appear similar at first glance because of overlapping behavioral challenges, the differences between autism and ADHD become clear with closer observation. This article helps parents identify the key traits of each condition and how to distinguish them in daily life.







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One of the most noticeable differences between autism and ADHD in children lies in how they interact with others. Children with autism often struggle to understand facial expressions, body language, or social norms. They may seem less responsive during conversations or appear to live in their own world.



On the other hand, children with ADHD usually want to engage socially but often interrupt, speak out of turn, or have trouble listening. Here, the differences between autism and ADHD are not just about social interest but also about how children manage their interactions.







2. Focus and Attention



Another key difference between autism and ADHD in children is how they focus. Children with ADHD have a hard time staying on task, are easily distracted, and often switch activities without finishing them.



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3. Behavior Patterns and Routine







Children with autism often need consistent routines. Even small changes can cause stress or emotional outbursts. They may also engage in repetitive behaviors like hand flapping, spinning objects, or walking in a specific pattern.



Meanwhile, children with ADHD tend to be more impulsive and enjoy change. They may make decisions without thinking and struggle to follow consistent rules. The differences between autism and ADHD in children become clear in how they respond to structure and routine.







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Language development is another area where the differences between autism and ADHD stand out. Children with autism may have delayed speech or unusual speech patterns, such as repeating words or speaking in a flat tone. They might also prefer gestures over words.



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Children with autism are often sensitive to bright lights, loud sounds, or certain textures. They can become overwhelmed easily by sensory input. On the other hand, children with ADHD often seek out stimulation and may appear constantly active or restless.



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While this article highlights the differences between autism and ADHD, it is important to remember that only a licensed professional, such as a child psychologist, psychiatrist, or developmental pediatrician, can make a formal diagnosis. Some children may show traits of both conditions, so a proper clinical assessment is essential.







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Once the differences between autism and ADHD in children are understood, the next step is to provide the right support. Behavioral therapy, occupational therapy, and counseling can help children manage their emotions, improve social skills, and adapt to daily challenges.







How Coding Helps Support Children’s Development





For children with special needs like ADHD or autism, structured and creative activities can be especially beneficial. One such activity is learning to code. At Timedoor Academy, kids can join engaging, structured coding classes that encourage focus, problem-solving, and self-confidence through real digital projects.



Try a free coding class at Timedoor Academy and discover how technology can be a powerful and fun learning tool for your child.


                        

                    
                

                            

        

    

        

    
    

        

                    

    

    




    
    
    

        

        

    


    
    

        

            
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