In recent times, Indonesia has witnessed a startling rise in the number of children and adolescents suffering from addiction to mobile gadgets and online games. This phenomenon has been particularly noticeable in East Java, where the Menur Mental Hospital in Surabaya has treated around 3,000 young individuals for such addictions since the beginning of 2024.

The increasing prevalence of this issue has raised alarms among parents, healthcare professionals, and government officials alike, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to combat this growing problem.

Increasing Cases of Gadget Addiction

Local media outlet Radar Surabaya reported a significant increase in the number of children and adolescents treated for gadget addiction at the Menur Mental Hospital. Dr. Ivana Sajogo, a psychiatrist at the hospital, noted that these young patients often exhibit angry and antisocial behaviors. The treatment process typically involves a two-week hospital stay during which the patients’ gadget use is reduced, and therapy sessions are conducted to address the root causes of their addiction.

“They need treatment to reduce the use of gadgets, and when they are hospitalized, they mostly tell us why they like to use gadgets. After we find the root of the problem, then we do therapy with them,” Dr. Ivana told Radar Surabaya on July 23.

According to the State of Mobile 2024 report by Data AI, Indonesians were the most addicted to mobile phones globally, with an average usage of 6.05 hours per day in 2023. Although this data encompassed the general population, it highlighted a significant portion of young users. Furthermore, a survey by the Indonesian Internet Service Providers Association in February revealed that 34.4% of internet users in Indonesia were Gen Z, born between 1997 and 2012. This demographic forms the largest percentage of internet users in the country, underscoring the widespread nature of the problem among the youth.

Exposure to Mobile Gadgets

The Central Statistics Agency (BPS) reported in 2022 that 33.44% of young children aged six and below in Indonesia used mobile phones or wireless gadgets, while 24.96% had access to the internet. This early exposure to technology raises concerns about the long-term implications for children’s mental health and development. Dr. Ivana highlighted that gadget addiction can lead to various deviant behaviors in young people, such as emotional disturbances, impulsiveness, and aggression. These issues manifest in different forms, as illustrated by several reported cases.

In one instance, local news outlet Jatim Post reported in May about siblings aged 17 and 19 in East Java’s Jember who were so addicted to online gaming that they only left their rooms to eat and shower. Their addiction escalated to the point where they no longer recognized their parents, necessitating urgent psychiatric treatment for depression and other related conditions. In another tragic case, a 17-year-old teenager in Blitar, East Java, died by suicide in June after his parents confiscated his mobile phone used for online gaming. This incident starkly underscores the severe consequences of unchecked gadget addiction.

Recognizing the severity of the problem, the Indonesian government and various organizations have started taking steps to address gadget addiction among the youth. Last year, Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) Commissioner Retno Listyarti noted that mobile phone addiction among young people was a nationwide issue. In Jakarta and West Java, psychiatric hospitals have opened pediatric wards to treat children with mental disorders linked to gadget addiction.

Retno emphasized that children should be playing and socializing more, but the COVID-19 pandemic had previously forced many to stay at home, leading to increased dependence on mobile gadgets for social interaction. In response, the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection is finalizing a Presidential Regulation on protecting children from online games, expected to be issued later this year. Deputy Minister for Child Protection, Mr. Nahar, stated in April that this regulation aims to combat the rise of crimes such as violence, pornography, sexual harassment, and bullying, influenced by online games.

Role of Parents and Educators

While government regulations and hospital treatments are crucial, the role of parents and educators in mitigating gadget addiction cannot be overstated. Parents need to set clear boundaries and monitor their children’s gadget use. Encouraging outdoor activities and face-to-face social interactions can help reduce dependency on mobile devices.

Educators, too, play a vital role in this battle. Schools can integrate lessons on the responsible use of technology and the potential dangers of addiction into their curricula. Promoting extracurricular activities that engage students in the physical world can also help divert attention from screens.

Addressing gadget addiction among the youth requires a multi-faceted approach. Besides treatment and regulation, there is a need for widespread awareness campaigns to educate the public about the risks of excessive gadget use. Community programs that offer support and alternative activities for young people can also be beneficial.

Healthcare professionals must continue to research and develop effective treatment methods for gadget addiction. Collaboration between government bodies, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector can help create a supportive environment for affected individuals and their families. Indonesia is not alone in facing the challenge of gadget addiction among the youth. Many countries worldwide are grappling with similar issues as technology becomes increasingly integrated into daily life. Learning from the experiences and strategies of other nations can provide valuable insights for Indonesia.

For instance, South Korea has implemented strict regulations on online gaming, including curfews and limits on the amount of time minors can spend on online games. China has also introduced measures to combat gaming addiction, such as real-name registration systems and time limits. As technology continues to evolve, the challenges associated with gadget addiction are likely to persist. However, with concerted efforts from all sectors of society, it is possible to mitigate the negative impacts on young people. Emphasizing a balanced approach to technology use, where digital tools enhance rather than dominate lives, will be crucial.

The rise of gadget and online game addiction among children and adolescents in Indonesia is a growing concern that requires urgent attention. The treatment of around 3,000 young individuals at the Menur Mental Hospital in Surabaya since the start of the year highlights the severity of the problem. Through a combination of regulation, education, and community support, Indonesia can address this issue and ensure a healthier future for its youth. It is imperative that all stakeholders work together to create an environment where technology is used responsibly, allowing young people to thrive both online and offline.