Digital life now reaches every part of society. Yet many internet users still lack the ability to understand and manage information properly, leaving people exposed to false content.
To address this, the Ministry of Communication and Information (Kominfo) held a digital literacy webinar series called #MakinCakapDigital with the theme “The Importance of Digital Literacy for Children.” The webinar took place in Tangerang Regency on Wednesday (30/6/2021) and was attended by dozens of participants online.
The webinar invited experts from various fields, including Denisa N Salsabila (Kaizen Room), Sigit Widodo (Internet Development Institute), Eka Y Saputra (web developer and IT consultant), and Dr. Ida Ayu Putu Sri Widnyani Ssos MAP (lecturer at Universitas Ngurah Rai).
Easier access to information
The speakers covered digital skills, digital ethics, digital culture, and digital safety. Denisa said children are increasingly able to access information online in real time.
“Technology can benefit children, such as providing learning spaces for drawing and design for ages 3-6,” she said.
In terms of entertainment, games, video, or music can help children develop verbal skills, motor skills, and sensory awareness. Children aged 6 and above can use computers for school assignments.
Unfortunately, the digital world also circulates negative content, so digital ethics are needed. “Using digital media should be guided by ethical intentions and behavior for the common good and to enhance humanity,” she said.
She added parenting tips for the digital era: limit gadget time, be a good role model, never use devices to calm a child’s emotions, bridge communication gaps, create technology-free zones at home, and work with teachers.
Stay alert
Andi Fauziah Astrid warned parents to stay alert if children become absorbed in gadgets, gaming, chatting online, or other device-driven activities.
“Children may be exposed to cyberbullying, online persecution, hoaxes, hate speech, radical content, pornography, online violence, scams, data theft, cyberattacks, and more,” she said.
Andi explained that children’s digital rights include the right to interact and participate online safely. Providing access to the digital landscape is part of enforcing those rights.
“Today’s children are digital natives, familiar with electronic media and digital technology from birth,” she said. Teach internet use according to age.
For ages 2-3, limit screen time, use audio-based digital content interactively, and understand that gadgets do not replace parents. For ages 4-7, make agreements and school-ready programs to distinguish fact from fantasy.
“For ages 11 and up, emphasize positive productivity, social participation through digital media, and building digital character. For ages 13-18, introduce diversity, make shared agreements, monitor usage, and stay consistent,” she said.
”Digital immigrants”
Aji Sahdi described digital immigrants as people who grew up before computers and must adjust to modern digital technology.
This is a special challenge for parents who still fit that category. “The digital challenge is easy internet access, online freedom without rules, children knowing more than parents, and children wanting freedom,” he said.
Therefore, it is essential to keep children safe online. Enter their online world to understand their environment. Also, know their other “play spaces.”
“Make rules together with them. Discuss rules first, including consequences for breaking them. Place devices in public areas rather than bedrooms. Identify safe sites for their age,” Aji explained.
Muhammad Bima Januri said children make up 25.42 percent of Indonesia’s internet users according to APJJI. They are mostly ages 5 to 12.
“Therefore, children need guidance on online safety to recognize risks and use technology wisely,” he said.
Recommended safety practices include using gadgets with children, setting healthy screen time, limiting access to age-appropriate content, and monitoring online activity.
“Parents can supervise by reviewing or checking their children’s online activity,” he concluded.
Critical thinking
Bima added that children need critical thinking because good content may be true, but not all true content should be shared. “True content is not always useful. Filter before sharing.”
Participants were invited to ask questions. One attendee, Satriya Prabowo, asked how to teach children to use gadgets for learning rather than constant play.
“If you manage phone time, reduce weekend phone use and increase it on school days for learning,” Bima replied.
The webinar is part of digital literacy activities in Tangerang Regency. It is open to anyone who wants to understand digital literacy. The next event will invite all young Indonesians to join via Instagram @siberkreasi.dkibanten.
The event also thanked all supporters, especially Kominfo.