Impact of Technology on Children’s Mental Health: Maximizing the Role of School Counselors
In today’s fast-paced world, parents face two main challenges regarding their children: the use of gadgets and fostering a love for reading and literacy. The current Deputy Minister of Basic & Secondary Education of Indonesia, Fajar Riza Ul Haq, highlighted that the use of gadgets by children is leading to new issues, particularly mental health problems. During a discussion on Family Literacy themed “The Role of Families in Children’s Literacy and Numeracy Intelligence” in Jakarta on Saturday, January 25, 2025, Fajar Riza Ul Haq expressed concern over the rising mental health concerns among children due to excessive gadget use.
The Role of School Counselors in Addressing Mental Health Challenges
Fajar Riza emphasized the importance of maximizing the role of school counselors or Guidance Counselors in schools. He stressed the need to shift the paradigm that views Guidance Counselors as less important. According to him, these counselors play a crucial role in shaping children’s minds, especially in terms of mental health. Fajar also urged parents to encourage their children to read and engage in literacy activities like writing, even incorporating it into their daily routines and family outings.
Encouraging Positive Reading and Writing Habits
Actress and dedicated mother Zaskia Adya Mecca shared her insights on guiding children towards positive reading and writing habits. She emphasized the significance of parents understanding their children’s interests and directing them towards educational and value-driven reading materials. Zaskia highlighted the importance of parental involvement in fostering a love for reading and writing, sharing her personal experience of reading books repeatedly with her children as a bonding activity.
Cultivating a Culture of Literacy at Home
Haidar Bagir, the CEO of Mizan Group, emphasized the importance of events like “Celebrating Family Literacy” as platforms for inspiration and collaboration among Indonesian families to promote literacy at home. He stressed that families serve as the primary foundation for shaping the future generation and introducing children to various aspects of literacy, including critical thinking, understanding information, and numeracy skills, especially in the digital era.
Empowering Parents to Lead by Example
In conclusion, the event highlighted the crucial role of parents as the first teachers in introducing children to literacy and fostering a culture of learning at home. It underscored the need for parents to not only encourage reading and writing but also demonstrate a love for literacy by engaging in these activities themselves. By setting a positive example and actively participating in their children’s literacy journey, parents can create a nurturing environment that promotes mental well-being and academic success.
As a parent myself, I understand the challenges of balancing technology use and promoting literacy among children. It’s essential to approach these issues with empathy and patience, guiding our children towards healthy habits while actively participating in their learning journey. Let’s take a moment to reflect on our own role in shaping our children’s future and embrace the opportunity to create meaningful connections through shared reading and writing experiences. Remember, small efforts today can lead to significant positive impacts on our children’s mental health and overall well-being.
