Around 3,000 children and teenagers in Surabaya have been treated for addiction to mobile gadgets and online games since the beginning of this year. This phenomenon highlights the increasingly worrying mental health issues among the younger generation in Indonesia.
Surabaya’s Menur Mental Hospital (RSJ) reported a significant increase in gadget addiction cases since January 2024. Dr Ivana Sajogo, a psychiatrist at RSJ Menur, explained that patients generally exhibit angry and antisocial behaviour. They are initially addicted to gadgets before switching to online games, and most undergo treatment for two weeks.
Data Al’s State of Mobile 2024 report states that Indonesia has the highest mobile phone usage in the world, averaging 6.05 hours per day. The Indonesian Internet Service Providers Association survey also showed that 34.4% of internet users in Indonesia are Generation Z, the group most susceptible to gadget addiction.
A severe case occurred in Jember, East Java, where two brothers aged 17 and 19 only left their room to eat and bathe. They had to be hospitalised due to a disturbed mental state caused by online game addiction. Additionally, in Blitar, a 17-year-old committed suicide after his mobile phone was confiscated by his parents. This incident shows how serious the impact of gadget addiction is on teenagers’ mental health.
Mental and Physical Health Impacts
Gadget addiction can lead to emotional disturbance, impulsivity and aggression in children and adolescents. Dr Ivana emphasises that these addictions are often rooted in unresolved emotional issues. Therapy at RSJ Menur focuses on finding the root of the problem and treatment to reduce gadget use.
In addition to the mental impact, gadget addiction also harms physical health. Excessive gadget use can lead to visual impairment, poor posture, and lack of physical activity. Children who spend a lot of time in front of screens often experience digital eye fatigue, headaches and sleep problems.
Lack of physical activity is also at risk of causing obesity in children and adolescents. Obesity is a major risk factor for various chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. Dr Ivana reminds us that it is important for children to maintain a balance between screen time and physical activity.
Eye Health and Gadget Use
Excessive gadget use also has an adverse impact on children’s eye health. A phenomenon known as “computer vision syndrome” is becoming increasingly common. Symptoms of this syndrome include dry eyes, eye irritation, blurred vision and headaches. Ophthalmologists recommend the 20-20-20 rule to prevent this syndrome: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at an object 20 feet (about 6 metres) away.
The Role of Family and Government in Overcoming Addiction
Gadget addiction is often exacerbated by a lack of supervision and guidance from parents. Retno Listyarti from the Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) stated that children need to play and socialise more. The prolonged COVID-19 pandemic has also led to more children staying at home and using gadgets as a means of socialising.
The government is formulating a Presidential Regulation on child protection from online gaming. Deputy Minister of Child Protection Nahar said that this regulation aims to tackle crimes committed by children due to the influence of online games. The regulation is expected to be issued later this year.
The Importance of Mental Health Education
Lestari Moerdijat, Vice Chairperson of MPR RI, stated in an online discussion that mental health is essential to support overall human health. She emphasised that mentally healthy people are able to cope with stress, learn well, and contribute positively.
Dr Nova Riyanti Yusuf from the National Centre for Mental Health added that prevention of mental disorders should involve early detection and adequate surveillance systems. Mental disorders are often accompanied by depression, which can lead to suicide. She emphasised the importance of community and neighbourhood roles in supporting these efforts.
Tjut Rifameutia from the University of Indonesia highlighted the importance of mental health surveys in preparing anticipatory measures. Good parenting plays a key role in building children’s mental health. Additionally, difficult experiences in childhood greatly affect mental health in adulthood.
To prevent mental health disorders, families must also understand the roles and functions of each member. The role of parents is crucial in educating and guiding their children. In addition, Vera Italiana Hadiwidjojo, a child and adolescent psychologist, states that parents’ unpreparedness to educate their children often leads to mental health problems. The use of social media and online games can disrupt children’s sleeping, eating and exercise patterns, which negatively affects their mental health.
Nurhadi, a member of Commission IX of the House of Representatives, revealed that mental health disorders often begin with depression. On a global scale, the impact of public mental health disorders costs up to US$1 trillion. He hopes that public mental health will be mitigated and handled systematically, starting from the family environment. The role of mothers is very important to provide a quick response to children who experience mental health disorders.
Conclusion
With a comprehensive approach, involving families, communities, and the government, it is hoped that the problem of gadget addiction and its impact on the mental health of children and adolescents can be addressed more effectively.
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