Parents Urged to Foster Healthy Digital Habits in Children, Not Just Limit Screen Time

In today's technology-saturated world, the focus for parents has shifted from restricting children's access to digital platforms to actively guiding them toward healthy and responsible online habits. This approach acknowledges that technology is an integral part of modern life and that children need to learn to navigate it safely and effectively.

Psychologist Marsha Tengker highlights that healthy digital habits are not solely determined by the duration of gadget use. Instead, she stresses the importance of fostering children's ability to understand their needs and self-regulate their interactions with technology. "The goal is how a child can self-regulate," Tengker explained, emphasizing that understanding the rationale behind digital rules is key to developing this skill.

While the internet offers vast opportunities for learning, exploration, and creativity, Tengker also points out that children's emotional needs for security, closeness, and connection must be met through real-world interactions. When these needs are fulfilled at home, children are less likely to seek validation or emotional connection online. She advocates for a balance between parental protection and trust, allowing children age-appropriate opportunities to make decisions with guidance.

To help children develop critical thinking skills online, Tengker introduced the THINK approach, encouraging them to question if information is true, helpful, inspiring, necessary, and kind. Educator and content creator Nanda Yurani echoes these sentiments, noting that today's "digital native" children adapt quickly to technology. The greater challenge, she believes, lies in ensuring their emotional maturity and critical thinking abilities keep pace with their technological fluency, preventing them from blindly following trends without considering the consequences.