The Dangers of Gadgets on Children’s Sensory Development

Casal dels Infants – The dangers of gadgets for children have become a serious concern amid the increasing prevalence of digital device use in everyday life. While gadgets offer convenience and entertainment, they also pose hidden risks, particularly to a child’s growth and development. Pediatrician and infant feeding counselor, Dr. Ian Suryadi Setja, M.Med.Sc, Sp.A, warns that the habit of frequently using gadgets can impair children’s sensory abilities and negatively impact their eating skills, further reinforcing concerns about the dangers of gadgets.

Sensory and Focus Disruption Caused by Gadgets

In an interview on Monday, June 2, 2025, Dr. Ian explained that prolonged screen exposure can disrupt a child’s ability to focus. When children are overly focused on screens while eating, they tend to engage in mindless eating, which means eating without full awareness or attention.

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“This affects the eating process itself, such as difficulty chewing or holding food,” said Dr. Ian. “The brain also becomes slower in recognizing fullness signals, which may lead children to either eat too little or too much.”

Over time, this behavior can result in poor nutritional intake and may hinder overall growth and development.

Age-Appropriate Guidelines for Screen Time

To minimize these negative effects, Dr. Ian urges parents to regulate their child’s screen time according to age:

• Under 2 years old: should not be exposed to screens at all.
• Ages 2–5: screen time should be limited to a maximum of 30 minutes per day.
• Above 5 years old: screen time should be limited to 1–2 hours per day.

In addition to time limits, he emphasized the importance of selecting educational and age-appropriate content for children.

Parental Strategies to Prevent Gadget Dependence

Public figure and mother, Nimaz Dewantary, also shared her approach to managing gadget use with her child. She avoids incorporating screen time into her child’s daily routine and prioritizes shared family meals.

“I focus more on building the habit of eating together at the table. So, when I eat, my child eats too. I only allow screen time outside of mealtimes,” she explained.

Nimaz also highlighted the importance of providing balanced nutrition and creating a supportive environment for a child’s optimal development.

Balanced Nutrition and the Role of Milk in Child Development

Dr. Ian also stressed that a balanced diet plays a vital role in supporting children’s physical and cognitive development. Children require an adequate intake of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals daily.

In addition to solid food, milk also plays an important role.

“Milk supports brain development and overall growth. Dr. Ian advised parents to choose age-appropriate milk that the BPOM (Indonesian Food and Drug Authority) has approved, is low in sugar, and contains added micronutrients such as AA, DHA, iron, calcium, and vitamin D.

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