Gadgets Impact on Children

Giving gadgets to children at an early age will have an influence on them. Parents shouldn’t give gadgets to children. Gadgets known as modern technology are used to get certain conveniences and entertainment, but they may also be detrimental to the development and well-being of young users. 

Children don't know how to use gadgets effectively at a young age. There are risks that arise if parents give gadgets to children. Firstly, staring at a gadget screen for too long can cause health problems. Research shows that long-term gadget usage will affect children’s eyesight, bedtime, and behavior. According to Kemenkes Indonesia, at a child’s age, blue screens are thought to stimulate myopia, or nearsightedness, which is an eye condition that causes objects that are located close to look clear, while objects that are far away look blurry. Because of this, many Indonesian children have to wear glasses at an early age. The blue light emitted by screens also disrupts children's natural sleep cycle, making it difficult for children to fall asleep and get the rest they need for healthy growth and development. 

Secondly, gadgets can hinder children's social development. In the process of child development, it is necessary to be involved in direct interactions to develop important social skills such as empathy, communication, and emotional intelligence. When children spend a lot of time with gadgets, they miss out on these important social interactions. This can lead to difficulties in forming social relationships, which are very important for interpersonal relationships and shaping a child's mentality. 

Furthermore, the content that can be accessed through gadgets is not always appropriate for children. Despite parental control and monitoring, children can still be exposed to inappropriate content that can negatively affect their behavior and critical thinking. This exposure can lead to aggression, anxiety, and other behavioral problems. Childhood is the formation of the imitation phase. Hence, children are easily influenced and may mimic the inappropriate behavior they see on screen. This will lead to further developmental problems.

Moreover, gadget dependency can limit creativity and imagination. Children naturally have vivid imaginations and broad creativity, which are best nurtured through activities such as reading, playing with physical toys, and engaging in imaginative play. Gadgets, with their ready-made entertainment and games, can limit opportunities for children to use their imagination and develop their creative thinking skills.

Based on the arguments, although gadgets have become part of our modern lives, they still have their own impact, especially if given to children. I believe that giving gadgets to children at an early age will direct them to negative impacts. While these devices can provide certain benefits, they can also be detrimental to the development and well-being of young users, affecting their physical health, social skills, and cognitive growth.