Jakarta, INTI - The Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs, together with digital literacy advocates, has shared strategies for parents to guide their children in the digital space, ranging from open communication to the use of device supervision features.
A Shift from Control to Guidance
Secretary of the Directorate General of Digital Space Supervision at the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs, Mediodecci Lustarini, stated that child supervision patterns today cannot be equated with those of the past.
She said, "Supervision should not be done in a harsh way, but through guidance and communication. Children live in the digital space, so parents must be willing to understand."
Mediodecci gave an example of implementing written agreements at home regarding screen time limits and app download rules, which are posted visibly and applied consistently.
Parents can also take advantage of supervision features such as Family Link on Android devices and built-in parental controls on Apple devices.
She said, "If the time limit has been exceeded, the device can be locked automatically. This helps parents who cannot supervise at all times."
Mediodecci emphasized the importance of encouraging children to ask for permission before downloading applications or using devices outside the agreed schedule.
She noted that the burden on parents in the digital era has increased, as they must ensure formal education while also safeguarding their children's safety and well-being in using technology.
Communication as the Foundation of Digital Parenting
Executive Director of ICT Watch, Indriyatno Banyumurti, stated that communication is the main foundation of digital parenting.
He referred to the "7 Steps to Good Digital Parenting" guide from the Family Online Safety Institute and stressed that the first step is building open communication with children.
Indriyatno said, "Learning (for parents) is not about catching up with children, but about understanding what they are doing in the digital space."
He added that parents need to continuously learn about their children's online activities, utilize parental controls, set rules and consequences, monitor activities without being excessive, use technology for shared activities, and serve as role models in device usage.
He also highlighted differences in parenting patterns across regions such as Indramayu, Bali, and Kupang, which reflect varying levels of technological understanding.
According to him, digital literacy for parents must be adapted to local contexts and cannot be standardized nationwide.
Both speakers agreed that while regulations and technological features can provide support, the key to child protection ultimately lies in consistent communication, early habituation, and the active role of parents as role models.
Conclusion
As children grow up immersed in digital environments, parenting approaches must evolve from strict control to active guidance and open dialogue. While technological tools and regulatory frameworks provide important support, sustainable digital safety ultimately depends on informed, communicative, and engaged parents who consistently guide their children both online and offline.
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