Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia's Health Ministry urged families to protect children's rights and mental health from digital addiction, warning that widespread internet use and online gaming pose growing risks to adolescents.

Imran Pambudi, the ministry's director of health services for vulnerable groups, said Saturday that the internet had become an inseparable part of daily life.

Indonesia had 221.56 million internet users in 2024, with penetration reaching 79.5 percent. About 28.2 percent of users actively played online games.

“These figures show enormous opportunities but also real risks, especially for adolescents, who are the most active in the digital world,” Pambudi said.

Adolescents are particularly vulnerable because they are exploring their identities while experiencing emotional fluctuations and peer pressure, he said.

Content that triggers social comparison or performance pressure, along with addictive game designs, can increase risks of overthinking, anxiety and sleep disorders.

The 2022 Indonesia National Adolescent Mental Health Survey found that 34.9 percent of adolescents experienced mental health problems in the previous 12 months, while 5.5 percent met criteria for a clinical disorder.

Prevention through digital literacy is an immediate step, Pambudi said, including teaching children to evaluate online content, manage screen time and recognize addictive game designs.

Early detection is also important, with parents and teachers watching for declining academic performance, sleep problems, mood changes when access is restricted and withdrawal from family interactions.

Intervention should be gradual, ranging from limiting screen time and establishing healthy routines to referring children to mental health services when symptoms persist.

“Parents should model responsible gadget use, set agreed rules, such as limiting gaming to one or two hours daily, and maintain open, nonjudgmental communication,” Pambudi said.

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