Peran Orang Tua dalam Membimbing Penggunaan Teknologi untuk Mendukung Perkembangan Sosial Emosional Anak di Kelompok B PAUDQU Miftahul Huda Pejaten

Abstract

In today's digital era, gadgets have become an inseparable part of children's lives, even from an early age. The convenience of accessing information and entertainment through touchscreens has transformed the way children interact with their surroundings. However, behind these benefits, uncontrolled gadget use can hinder the social and emotional development of children who are at a critical stage of growth. This study aims to explore in depth the role of parents in guiding gadget use, the emotional impacts on children, and the various challenges parents face in maintaining a balance between technology and the developmental needs of their children. A descriptive qualitative approach was employed, with data collected through in-depth interviews with several parents and teachers at PAUDQU Miftahul Huda Pejaten. Thematic analysis was conducted to extract experiences, perceptions, and the dynamics that unfold in their daily lives. The findings indicate that although some parents have implemented rules and time restrictions for gadget usage, children still exhibit signs of dependency, such as irritability, tantrums, and a lack of interest in interacting with peers. Gadgets often become a means of escape or an “instant pacifier” when parents face limitations in time or energy for parenting. Meanwhile, the school seeks to educate parents and provide non digital activities to support the development of children's social and emotional intelligence. This study highlights the importance of close collaboration between parents, teachers, and educational institutions in forming a nurturing and adaptive parenting ecosystem in the face of technology. These findings offer significant contributions to strengthening family digital literacy and serve as an initial foundation for formulating more humane and contextually relevant early childhood education policies. To broaden the scope, further studies are recommended to involve quantitative or mixed-method approaches and include more diverse sociocultural backgrounds to gain a more comprehensive understanding