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The TV dilemma
A mother accompanies her children while they learn and play at home
A mother accompanies her children while they learn and play at home. JP/R. Berto Wedhatama
Kindergartener Tahta looked energized participating in a storytelling event at a bookstore in Matraman, Jakarta.
He sang “Naik Kereta Api” (Train Ride) in a loud voice when asked to by the storyteller.
Suci, Tahta’s mother, said her son had a strong interest in physical activity. At Suci’s home, there is also no TV in sight.
“We think Tahta’s need for information and entertainment can be fulfilled by computers and books,” she said, adding that the habit had had a good influence on her first son.
“Compared to his friends, Tahta has stronger ability in telling stories. His interest in physical activity also shapes his motor skills,” said Suci, adding that her son was used to playing with hardware, like a hammer, under the supervision of adults.
Conversely, Esti Nugroho, 41, and Dyah Pratitasari find nothing wrong with having a TV at home.
“I believe all parents want their kids to be up to date with things, and one source for this is TV,” said Esti, a mother of a 9-year-old daughter.
Mother of two Dyah said she has happy to have a TV in her home because her husband had always wanted a big flat screen television.
But both mothers set boundaries for their children.
“My eldest, Velma, is allowed to watch TV from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on a daily basis. She usually watches Shaun the Sheep,” said Dyah.
While Esti said that she permitted Fisidea to watch TV for a maximum of two hours only on weekends or holidays.
“We usually ask her to play chess or monopoly in order to distract her from the TV.”
Despite the phenomenon, child psychologist Seto Mulyadi said that parents did not have to be overly strict or overprotective with their children.
“Don’t be short tempered. Parents need to develop their listening skills with kids. It should be 80 percent listening and 20 percent speaking.
Answer every question they ask, but adjust it according to their level of understanding. Build an atmosphere for discussion.”
With good communication, parents can filter the effects of the information wave, such as pornography and violence, on children, added Seto.
TV programs category
Green (children-friendly):
Disney Club: Jungle Junction (MNC),
Disney Club: Handy Manny (MNC)
Shaun the Sheep (MNC)
Disney Club Mickey Mouse and
Friends (RCTI)
Bocah Petualang (Trans7),
Opera Si Unyil (Trans7)
Koki Cilik (Trans7)
Teropong si Bolang (Trans7)
Laptop si Unyil (Trans7)
Chalkzone (GlobalTV)
Dora the Explorer (GlobalTV)
Inflona (GlobalTV)
Taman Dongeng (GlobalTV)
Cerita untuk Anak (TVRI)
Budi dan Kerti (TVRI)
Yellow (less children-friendly):
Duckula (ANTV)
Woody Woodpecker (ANTV&Trans7)
Dufan the Devender (Indosiar)
Bakugan Battle Brawlers Gundalian
Invanders (Indosiar)
Power Rangers Samurai (Indosiar)
Pokemon D&P part 2 (Indosiar)
Aksi didi Tikus (MNC)
Chaplin and Co (MNC)
Doraemon (RCTI)
Badil & Blangkon Ajaib (SCTV)
Woody Woodpecker (Trans7)
Penguin of Madagascar (GlobalTV)
Spongebob Squarepants (GlobalTV)
Boboi Boy (GlobalTV)
Tak and Power of Juju (GlobalTV).
Red (hazardous for children):
Tom & Jerry (ANTV)
Ultraman Mebius (Indosiar)
Dragon Ball Z KAI (Indosiar)
Inazuma Eleven (Indosiar)
Tom & Jerry Tales (RCTI)
Crayon Shinchan (RCTI)
Oggy & Cockroaches (GlobalTV)
Tom & Jerry Kids Show (GlobalTV).
Source: the Indonesian Broadcasting Commission (KPI)
— Niken Prathivi
