EKSPLORASI DAMPAK GADGET TERHADAP PERILAKU SOSIAL ANAK PAUD:PERSPEKTIF GURU DAN ORANG TUA DI TPA CAHYA MENTARI LABSCOOL NGUDI WALUYO

Abstract

The use of gadgets among early childhood students has become a common phenomenon that potentially affects their social-emotional development. Based on preliminary findings at TPA Cahya Mentari Labschool Ngudi Waluyo,many parents enroll their children to reduce their gadget usage duration at home; however,the children still exhibit adaptation difficulties, passivity, and a lack of activeness in social interactions in the classroom. Parents tend to use gadgets as a distraction tool, which risks hindering children's communication skills and empathy. This study aims to explore the impact of gadget use on the social behavior of early childhood students from the perspectives of teachers and parents. This study employed a qualitative approach with an exploratory case study design. The research informants consisted of two teachers and two parents of the students. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, non-participant observation, and documentation, and then analyzed using the interactive model of Miles, Huberman, and Saldaña, which includes data condensation, data display, and conclusion drawing, with data validity tested through source and technique triangulation. The pattern of gadget use among children was dominated by entertainment activities (watching videos and playing games) with a duration of 1 to 3 hours per day without optimal supervision. As a result, children exhibited passive, individualistic social behaviors, difficulties in cooperating, and emotional instability when their gadget use was restricted. Control efforts were carried out through teacher-parent synergy in the form of digital literacy socialization, duration restriction, and the implementation of co-use parenting, although it still faced challenges in the form of children's resistance. Consistent collaboration between home and school is crucial to balance technology use and real social interaction.