How to Set Healthy Screen Time Limits for Children in 2025

Every year on July 23rd, Indonesia celebrates National Children’s Day to show appreciation for the next generation. It is a moment of reflection for parents, educators, and communities to prioritize the needs, safety, and development of children. One of the most impactful ways to invest in a child’s future is by building positive habits in children from an early age. Habits are behaviors formed through repetition, and they often last a lifetime. Childhood is a critical phase in which values and patterns take root. That is why building positive habits in children during these formative years is so important. Why Early Habits Matter Simple routines like tidying up toys, saying “thank you,” or putting trash in the bin may seem minor. However, they lay the foundation for greater life skills such as responsibility, discipline, and empathy. On a broader level, building positive habits in children involves nurturing a mindset of honesty, teamwork, curiosity, and respect for learning. Children who are raised with consistent, positive habits are more likely to grow into responsible, independent individuals with strong character. On the other hand, children who lack structure or guidance during their early years may adopt unhealthy behaviors that are difficult to change later. The Role of Parents and the Environment Parents play the central role in building positive habits in children. Kids learn more from what they see than from what they are told. That means parents must model the values they wish to pass on. Showing punctuality, gratitude, patience, and balanced screen time will speak louder than any instruction. Beyond the home, children are shaped by their surroundings schools, peers, and community influences all matter. A supportive environment with positive reinforcement, teamwork, and structured activities helps strengthen the values instilled at home. Practical Ways to Start Building Positive Habits in Children Be Consistent Change doesn’t happen overnight. Whether it’s encouraging your child to read each night or tidy up after playing, repetition is key. Even ten minutes of daily practice can make a long-term difference. Lead by Example Children mimic behavior. If you want your child to manage time well, show them how you do it. Let them see you following schedules, keeping promises, and avoiding distractions. Use Encouragement and Praise A simple “Great job!” or “Thank you for helping” goes a long way. Positive reinforcement helps motivate kids to repeat good behaviors. Allow Room for Mistakes When building positive habits in children, understand that mistakes are part of the learning process. Patience and guidance are more effective than punishment. Involve Children in Decision-Making Let your child help plan their daily routine or choose their afternoon activity. When they feel a sense of ownership, they are more likely to stick to their responsibilities. Integrate Technology Wisely In today’s world, technology cannot be separated from childhood. Instead of avoiding it, guide your child to use it for learning. Educational apps, coding platforms, and creative tools can help turn screen time into productive time. National Children’s Day as a Moment for Reflection and Action National Children’s Day is not just a celebration, but an opportunity for reflection. As a society, have we done enough to support and protect children? As parents, have we been present enough in guiding their development? And most importantly, are we truly committed to building positive habits in children that will prepare them for the future? Positive habits are not built in a day. They take consistency, collaboration, and encouragement. Families, schools, and communities must work hand in hand to create environments that nurture growth and character. Try a Free Coding Class at Timedoor Academy The journey of parenting is filled with joy, challenge, and responsibility. National Children’s Day reminds us that every child deserves support, attention, and guidance. And one of the most meaningful forms of guidance we can offer is by consistently building positive habits in children. At Timedoor Academy, we believe that technology and character education go hand in hand. Our online coding and digital literacy programs are designed not only to build skills, but also to nurture self-discipline, curiosity, and confidence. Register your child for a free trial class today and take the first step in building habits that last a lifetime. Let’s shape a brighter future together one child at a time.

Every parent wants their child to grow up healthy and full of energy. But in today’s world, where processed foods are everywhere, it’s easy to overlook how much of what kids eat is actually harmful to their health. Many of the snacks and meals kids love are considered unhealthy foods for kids — tasty, yes, but loaded with ingredients that can cause serious health problems down the line. In this article, we’ll walk through 10 common unhealthy foods for kids that should be limited, along with why building healthy eating habits early is so important.   1. Fast Food Burgers, fries, chicken nuggets — these fast food favorites are high in saturated fat, calories, and sodium. They may be convenient, but eating them too often can lead to weight gain and increase the risk of heart disease later in life. Fast food is one of the most recognizable unhealthy foods for kids and should be enjoyed only occasionally.   2. Instant Noodles Quick and easy to prepare, instant noodles are a go-to for busy families. However, they’re loaded with salt, unhealthy fats, and preservatives. Regularly eating instant noodles can raise blood pressure and put unnecessary strain on children’s kidneys, making them one of the most problematic unhealthy foods for kids.   3. Packaged Snacks Potato chips, cheese puffs, and other bagged snacks might be tasty, but they’re often full of artificial flavors, trans fats, and excessive salt. With little to no nutritional value, these snacks are classic examples of unhealthy foods for kids that can easily be replaced with healthier alternatives.   4. Sugary Candy and Sweets Most kids love sweets, but too much sugar leads to tooth decay, weight gain, and even a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Whether it’s candy, chocolate bars, or gummy treats, sugary snacks are firmly in the category of unhealthy foods for kids.   5. Soda and Sugary Drinks Soft drinks and sugary juices pack an enormous amount of added sugar and artificial additives. Not only do they contribute to obesity, but they also weaken bones and harm dental health. It’s no surprise that sugary drinks are among the most well-known unhealthy foods for kids.   6. Sweetened Breakfast Cereals Many cereals marketed toward children are more dessert than breakfast, containing high levels of sugar and very little fiber. Starting the day with these sugary options can cause energy crashes and unhealthy snacking habits later on. Despite clever advertising, sweetened cereals are undoubtedly unhealthy foods for kids.   7. Store-Bought Ice Cream While an occasional scoop of ice cream is fine, commercially produced varieties are often loaded with sugar and unhealthy fats. When consumed too frequently, ice cream becomes yet another source of unnecessary calories and one more item on the list of unhealthy foods for kids.   8. Bubble Tea and Flavored Beverages Bubble tea and flavored milk drinks have become trendy among kids worldwide. Unfortunately, they’re typically packed with sugar, syrups, and calorie-dense toppings. These drinks are fun but should be considered occasional treats, as they’re definitely unhealthy foods for kids.   9. Deep-Fried Street Food Fried snacks sold by street vendors are often cooked in reused oil and prepared in less-than-hygienic conditions. Consuming these foods regularly increases the intake of harmful fats and raises the risk of digestive issues, making them one of the most dangerous unhealthy foods for kids.   10. Packaged Cakes and Pastries Mass-produced cakes, donuts, and pastries are high in refined sugars, unhealthy fats, and preservatives. Regularly eating these sweet treats can contribute to weight gain, disrupt hormone balance, and increase the risk of chronic diseases. Without a doubt, they belong on the list of unhealthy foods for kids.   Why Should You Limit Unhealthy Foods for Kids? The effects of unhealthy foods for kids go far beyond weight gain. Poor eating habits can affect children’s physical growth, learning abilities, mood, and immunity. Kids who frequently consume high-sugar, high-fat, and heavily processed foods may struggle with focus, experience low energy, and be more prone to illness. That’s why it’s essential for parents to guide their children towards healthier food choices early on. Teaching kids about nutrition helps them develop lifelong habits that support their overall well-being.   Don’t Forget Digital Literacy: A Key Skill for Today’s Kids While promoting healthy eating is vital, fostering digital skills is equally important. Introducing kids to coding, for example, helps develop logical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving abilities that are crucial in the digital age. Timedoor Academy offers fun, interactive coding classes specifically designed for kids. It’s a great way to support your child’s overall growth — mind and body. Ready to give your child a head start? Sign up for a free coding trial class with Timedoor Academy today and help them build essential skills for the future.

We are thrilled to celebrate the success of Holiday Camp 2025 held by Timedoor Academy, which took place from December 15 to December 30. This year’s event was our biggest yet, welcoming over 500 talented students from across Indonesia! The experience reached new heights this year with the debut of our latest "Programs such as Cyber Heroes, in which students identify cyber threats such as phishing and malware by using Mini Games & Scratch, and also Make AI with Pictoblox, providing a well-rounded and immersive learning environment. On this special occasion, the students dived deep into their passions—ranging from Python and Roblox Development to Artificial Intelligence, and Comic Making. Under the mentorship of our expert teachers, participants tackled ambitious projects and sharpened the digital skills essential for their futures. After much deliberation, we are now ready to honor those who truly stood out for their creativity and dedication. We are proud to present the winners of the Best Project and Best Participant awards: JUNIOR ANIMATOR CATEGORY PARTICIPANT’S NAME BRANCH Best Project Rayson Devatta Wang Jambi Best Participant Rafka Irtiza Syaqier Sentul JUNIOR 3D GAME CATEGORY PARTICIPANT’S NAME BRANCH Best Project Mikael Jose Alvaro Cikarang Best Participant Kyrie Manado JUNIOR CONSTRUCT CATEGORY PARTICIPANT’S NAME BRANCH Best Project Justin Owen Tandi Cikarang Best Participant Saddam Khairul Hanif Cikarang AI WITH PICTOBLOX CATEGORY PARTICIPANT’S NAME BRANCH Best Project Alden Immanuel Barneth Bandaso Mandagi Cikarang Best Participant Raizel Zane Wiltan Palembang CYBER HEROES CATEGORY PARTICIPANT’S NAME BRANCH Best Project Thomas Harvianz Green Lake City Best Participant Fransisca Karla Alveenia Hadiwijaya Yogyakarta KIDS CONSTRUCT CATEGORY PARTICIPANT’S NAME BRANCH Best Participant Zara Shaquitta Tanujaya BSD KIDS ROBLOX CATEGORY PARTICIPANT’S NAME BRANCH Best Project Habibi Rafif Cibubur Best Participant Ziggy Raziq Rizalya Makassar KIDS PYTHON CATEGORY PARTICIPANT’S NAME BRANCH Best Project Bennedict Javier Jambi Best Participant Felix Gerard Wyenn Tanjung Duren TEENS WEB DEVELOPER CATEGORY PARTICIPANT’S NAME BRANCH Best Project Nathanael Andromeda Juan Kristanes Batam Best Participant Muhammad Hafizh Prananda Aryawan Malang TEENS ROBLOX CATEGORY PARTICIPANT’S NAME BRANCH Best Project Marcia Josephine Renon Best Participant Muhammad Fajri Akbar Lampung TEENS PYTHON CATEGORY PARTICIPANT’S NAME BRANCH Best Project Rayhan Avicenna Alfatih Jagakarsa Best Participant Kalyana Adinda Parahita Jagakarsa TEENS AI CATEGORY PARTICIPANT’S NAME BRANCH Best Project Tsaqif Bariq R.H. Gayungan Best Participant Elishine Syallom Citraland  COMIC KIDS CATEGORY PARTICIPANT’S NAME BRANCH Best Project Katrina Amadea Tanuwidjaja Online Best Participant Flynn Oliseh Opene Online IOT KIDS & TEEN CATEGORY PARTICIPANT’S NAME BRANCH Best Project Daffa Muhammad Zahir Cikarang Best Participant Gerald Kelapa Gading