Depok, August 8th, 2023. Gadgets can be used as learning media for children, but on the other hand, using them excessively and without supervision can cause problems. Starting from health problems, to behavioral disorders in children. For this reason, assistance and direction are needed for children to be careful in using devices in everyday life.
The Creative Business Study Program, Vocational Education Program, Universitas Indonesia (UI), was moved to carry out community service activities (pengmas) in this regard, which was named “Education on Gadgets Use at the Elementary School Level”. This community service activity in collaboration with the Creative Business Student Association (CBSA) UI was carried out at the Unwanul Khairiyyah Foundation, Depok. A total of 35 children took part in this activity to receive education about the positive use of devices.
Head of the Creative Business Study Program, Hadining Kusumastuti, S.Sos., M.Ak., who is also a member of the UI Vocational Community Service team, said that excessive use of gadgets, especially for elementary school children, can result in children’s psychological disorders, such as sleep and learning disorders. “This activity aims to increase knowledge and awareness among children, especially regarding the negative impacts caused by excessive use of gadgets,” said Hadining.
He further said that excessive use of devices can be overcome with various alternatives, including turning off devices before going to bed, limiting the time when using devices, and socializing with other people. Therefore, there is a need for joint collaboration between schools and teachers in providing this education.
This is due to the fact that the role of the teacher as a liaison is also very important. Socialization is needed to build awareness of the benefits and potential risks of using technology among elementary school-age children.
Deputy Chairperson of the Unwanul Khairiyah Foundation, H. Syahrudin, M.Pd., expressed his gratitude for the community service activities organized by UI Vocational Program. He hoped that this activity can provide many benefits to children so that they are smarter in using gadgets.
“Hopefully, the UI Vocational Program can come back to visit us for other useful activities. I also thank the lecturers and students who were involved in the community service activities,” said Syahrudin. Members of the Creative Business Study Program community service who took part in the activity which was held on Friday (21/07) were Risca Fleureta Hudiyono, S.E., M.S.M., DKS Nugraha, M.B.A., M.Si., Dr. Fia Fridayanti Adam, M.Si., and Hasyim Asy’ari, M.Psi.T.
