In its efforts to enhance child protection in the digital age, Kampung Pekijing village in Serang, Indonesia, has launched a new initiative aimed at reducing children's reliance on social media and smart devices. This initiative is part of the implementation of the Child Protection Law, focusing on promoting traditional games as an effective means to draw children's attention away from screens.
Bayu Ibrahim, the director of the Pekijing Library, stated that this step represents a genuine effort to curb children's excessive dependence on digital media. The initiative began in 2023 and has proven effective in encouraging children to engage in physical group activities, thereby reducing the time they spend in front of screens.
Event Details
Bayu explained that the traditional games introduced into children's educational curricula have significantly contributed to fostering cooperation and social interaction among them. He also noted that these activities have led to a decrease in reliance on smartphones, as children have become more engaged in group play.
Additionally, the library conducts regular monitoring of the digital content children are exposed to, based on parents' requests. The monitoring team consists of 10 local youths, who oversee the content on children's phones to ensure they are not exposed to online risks.
Background & Context
This initiative comes at a time when concerns are rising about the negative impacts of excessive social media use on children. In recent years, Indonesia has witnessed a significant increase in internet usage among children, prompting the government to take serious steps to protect children from the dangers associated with the digital world.
Historically, traditional games have been an essential part of Indonesian culture, practiced in local communities as a means of social interaction and strengthening bonds among individuals. However, rapid technological advancement has led to a decline in these activities, making the current initiative necessary to preserve cultural heritage and enhance social interaction.
Impact & Consequences
This initiative serves as a model for how government laws can be integrated with local culture to achieve positive outcomes. Studies have shown that physical activities and social interaction can play a significant role in improving children's mental health and reducing levels of anxiety and depression.
The support the initiative has received from parents reflects the importance of collaboration between the community and the government in addressing technology-related challenges. Madi, one of the parents, noted that his son has shown significant improvement in academic performance and behavior since participating in the activities organized by the library.
Regional Significance
This experience in Indonesia serves as a model for Arab countries facing similar challenges in protecting children from internet dangers. Arab communities can benefit from promoting traditional games as a means of social interaction, helping to build a more balanced generation in technology use.
In conclusion, this initiative demonstrates how local culture can be an effective tool in addressing modern challenges, highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts between the government and the community to protect children in the digital transformation era.