An Essay: Informative Process

 A Simple (difficult to do) Way to Prevent Gadget Addiction, Especially in Children.

Small electronic devices, especially gadgets have facilitated human interaction with the innovations that are constantly being created. Given, that the gadget is an electronic device that is relatively small in size that has a special and practical function that can make it easier for all users to do various things. Small electronic devices or usually referred to as gadgets are also divided into several types, including handphones or smartphones, laptops or notebooks or computers, tablets or iPads, and others. All age groups from children to adults use it to fulfill their respective needs such as work, school, or only used for communication such as making calls and sending messages. It also makes users buy devices according to their needs so that they can have devices with the right criteria. The device also contains entertainment platforms and games provided, this is often used by parents to serve and distract their children at certain times so that children feel comfortable and happy to see what is displayed on the device. It is also necessary to pay attention to providing restrictions on use even if it is just watching entertainment for children because the proximity of children to gadgets can affect the development and growth of children and can affect their social interactions. Gadgets can easily win the hearts of children so that they continue to use them and as adults, we should pay more attention when children are using gadgets. This is the basis of the many things that can be done to minimize and even make children not addicted to gadgets so that their growth and development become very maximal and perfectly, each individual also has their own way of responding to the development of increasingly sophisticated devices.

In all processes and plans to make children not addicted to using gadgets, a collaboration between parents and children is needed so that the plan can run smoothly and successfully. The first thing that can be done to make children not addicted to using gadgets is to make house rules, especially rules for using gadgets. Every rule must be made with wisdom, this is intended so that the child does not think that he is too limited or even makes the child feel pressured. Rules were made based on an agreement that was agreed upon by the child beforehand so that the child did not feel surprised by the new rules and an agreement was made so that the child and parent could commit to all the agreed rules. Parents can also provide an understanding in advance regarding the benefits and bad effects of gadgets so that they can open up the knowledge and awareness of the child, remembering that young children will obey their parents. In this sense, it is also necessary to explain the intent and purpose of this rule so that children still feel loved and this is a form of caring for and protecting them from bad things that might happen. In these rules, it is necessary to explain the adequacy of the time allowed to use gadgets and all content needs to be limited and paid attention to. Parents also have to maintain consistency and firmness in applying the rules that are made so that they can improve and measure the child's compliance. Discipline also needs to be applied to every rule so that the rules are still obeyed so that the child will carry out the rules as well as possible and not assume that the rules are negotiable. Parents can also make consequences if the child violates the rules that have been made but the consequences should not burden the child let alone make the child afraid of his parents, the consequences can be in the form of small things (activities) that are useful.

The second thing that can be done is to divert the child's attention from the device by doing other activities. This can be done by involving children in every little thing that we do so that children will gradually pay attention to their gadgets, especially if our activities are very interesting or interesting for the child. This diversion of children's attention can be done if the child feels bored with his daily activities, this is an effective time because the child will certainly be more enthusiastic about new things. Not only the activities of parents but children can play with friends around the house can make children forget their gadgets. Other positive activities such as cooking, exercising, reading books that children love, going shopping, going to the bookstore, gardening, playing or picnicking in the park, playing with traditional toys, or taking classes to support their interests and talents, can also distract and provide new experiences and things in children that might make it a routine. Increasing non-digital activities both inside and outside the home can improve the child's social skills. Children can interact and express their feelings and thoughts without hesitation and fear, this can also make children more confident, easy to get along with, manage emotions, and empathize with their social environment so that they can develop and recognize their personality.

The third thing that can be done is to provide alternative toys for children, this is used so that they do not always serve, distract, and entertain children with devices such as watching cartoons or playing online games. Various alternative and educational toys support children's productive activities at home so that children do not depend on gadgets. The toys purchased must also be able to attract the attention and interest of the child so that the child can focus on the toy and not get bored easily. In addition, parents can choose toys that can increase the creative spirit of children so that children can create whatever they want and of course, children can be cool and happy to have these toys. Buying toys to support children's development also needs to be considered from all aspects such as what the benefits of the toy are, compatibility with the child's growth age, adjusting toys to the child's hobbies and preferences, and making sure the toys are guaranteed safe and certified. The many benefits of these toys not only make children feel happy and happy when playing but also support children's growth and development both physically and psychologically so that the growth and development of children become balanced.

The fourth thing that can be done is multiply and improve the quality of togetherness between parents and children and provide (be) a good example for children. Often, parents only give warnings in the form of speech and body language or other things that indicate that children should stop playing with gadgets, but children pay more attention and imitate what their parents do. So what parents do will certainly be followed and imitated by children, children will imitate what their parents do such as reading books, writing, and even cooking sometimes makes children want to try cooking like what their parents do. So do it first so that the child will imitate itself rather than a warning that may be ignored by young children, especially don't get scolded because it really won't keep the child away from the device. Children will also be happier if their parents give a lot of time because this means that parents love them (children feel loved and cared for) and feel treated well by the parents they care about. If parents are busy with their activities such as work and business and rarely give their children free time, of course, it will make children turn their attention to gadgets and their days can be filled with things that are still related to gadgets. The other benefits of quality time are increasing self-confidence in children, making children feel emotionally secure, connecting and increasing the bond between parents and children, ensuring that children receive sufficient care and attention, forming a harmonious family, and increasing affection for others. Family members.

The fifth thing that can be done but no less important is to use advanced devices and technology according to their portion and purpose. Before knowing and using it, children need to understand that using gadgets in moderation is not a bad thing, children also need to understand that the main priority when using gadgets is for the learning process to use devices for other positive things. In addition, children also need to understand that gadgets are facilities that have been provided to facilitate activities and all their daily activities so that they will think about using gadgets sufficiently and focus more on things in the real world. The application of this can also be initiated by parents so that after the child has observed and seen what their parents are doing because children prefer to imitate what their parents do. Parents indeed have a very big influence on the growth and development of the child in many ways and parents are the role models for the child. Using a device according to its purpose, such as when using a device for educational purposes such as taking online courses and attending school, children should not open platforms or other applications outside of learning interests. And if there is no longer any interest in continuing to use the device, the device can be saved and refocused on other activities both at home and in the social environment.

Electronic devices, especially gadgets that are never separated from renewal for each of their products, make people understand that gadgets have become one of the necessities in their daily life. Not only as a communication medium, gadgets already exist with various media that can be used to support every need and make it easier for all humans to carry out various activities through gadgets. The practicality of the device has been chosen to accompany human daily life. However, every good thing or benefit of course has an impact or bad thing that is stored, depending on how we respond and be aware and respond in using gadgets. Gadgets can make anyone addicted, not only children, so anyone needs to raise awareness and remind about the need for a balance between real life and life in cyberspace. Or even better if you can focus on the real world and make entertainment on your device a stress reliever (regardless of the usability and priority needs of using the device). However, addiction to the use of gadgets can be overcome and prevented in several ways, prevention is also a form of thing that should be normalized so that all smartphone users care more about themselves and others by using gadgets in moderation and limiting themselves from the charms of gadgets that so addicting.