Child Reports Biological Mother to Police, IPB University Expert: Impact of Unequal Relationships and Device Dependency
The case of a teenager in Malang who reported his biological mother to the police after being reprimanded for playing with his device has raised new concerns about family relationships. This phenomenon shows how excessive use of technology can affect self-control, emotions, and communication patterns between parents and children.
According to IPB University Professor of Child Care, Prof Dwi Hastuti, this behavior cannot be separated from the characteristics of Generation Z, who grew up in the digital age. Differences in social conditions have also contributed to changes in family relationship patterns.
“Gen Z grew up with intensive technology use. McKinsey & Company noted that this generation in Asia spends 6 hours or more using their phones,” said Prof Dwi. She added that this generation also has a strong character and high awareness of inequality issues.
However, she emphasized that the actions of teenagers who report their parents are still unjustifiable. “Teenagers are still children who need protection. Their cognitive, social, and emotional development is not yet stable.”
“In addition, such behavior violates religious teachings and Indonesian social norms that teach respect for parents,” she said.
Despite changes in family relationship patterns, Prof Dwi emphasized that parents still hold control over parenting. To deal with the characteristics of Generation Z, he suggested the Tranquility-Calmness Parenting approach.
“Parents need to remain calm when dealing with their children’s behavior, guide them to understand spiritual values, and be sincere and patient in educating them,” explained Prof Dwi, who is also a lecturer at the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences at IPB University.
Regarding the influence of gadgets, she reminded parents to limit screen time for teenagers to no more than two hours for entertainment and to avoid using gadgets while sleeping. Referring to research by Kim et al. (2023), early exposure to screens has an impact on aggressive behavior through decreased language skills and parenting stress.
“Excessive screen time can affect children’s language skills and lead to conflict,” she said.
Prof Dwi also highlighted the behavior of parental phubbing (neglecting children because parents are more focused on gadgets). “Children are excellent imitators. Before forbidding children, parents should set a good example of smartphone use,” she said.
In terms of discipline, Prof Dwi recommends mutual agreement between parents and teenagers. “Parents can discuss and agree on screen time rules, and always monitor their use,” she explained.
In closing, Prof Dwi emphasized the importance of quality family time. “What children really need is their parents’ time. Engaging in activities and discussions together strengthens the emotional bonds that form the foundation of character and responsibility,” she said. (Fj) (IAAS/NVA)
