Proximity to internet stalls

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 102 views

Children's Virtual Interaction in Online Games in Medan City Internet Warung: A Study on the Process, Factors, and Parental Efforts

Introduction

In today's digital age, children's virtual interactions through online games in internet stalls have become a common phenomenon, especially in cities like Medan. The increasing popularity of online gaming has raised concerns about the impact of these interactions on children's social and emotional development. This study aims to explore the process of virtual interactions of children, the factors that encourage these interactions, and the efforts that can be made by parents and families to minimize the time spent playing online games.

Child Virtual Interaction Process

The results of this study showed that the child's virtual interaction process was influenced by the family structure and the surrounding environment. A stable family structure and a supportive environment can help children understand how to interact virtually. Conversely, children who grow in a less supportive environment often have a wrong view of healthy interactions. For example, children who come from harmonious families are more likely to show positive behavior when playing online games, such as communicating well with their peers, compared to children who come from families who experience problems, such as divorce.

The study found that children who grow in a stable family environment tend to develop healthy virtual interactions, such as:

Communicating well with their peers
Respecting others' opinions and feelings
Avoiding conflicts and disagreements
Showing empathy and understanding towards others

On the other hand, children who grow in a less supportive environment tend to develop unhealthy virtual interactions, such as:

Engaging in cyberbullying and online harassment
Sharing personal information and photos without consent
Participating in online conflicts and disagreements
Showing aggression and hostility towards others

Virtual Interaction Supporting Factors

Factors that encourage children to be involved in online games in internet stalls are quite diverse. One of the main factors is the busyness of parents at work, which often makes children feel lonely and look for entertainment in games. The closeness of the location of the house with internet stalls also facilitates children's access to play. In addition, the influence of peers is very strong; Children tend to want to play to meet their social needs.

The study found that the following factors contribute to children's involvement in online games:

Parental busyness: Parents who are busy at work often leave their children alone, making them more likely to engage in online games.
Proximity to internet stalls: The closeness of the location of the house with internet stalls makes it easier for children to access online games.
Peer influence: Children tend to want to play online games to meet their social needs and to fit in with their peers.
Emotional escape: Children may look for escape from their emotional problems by engaging in the world of games that offer experiences of interaction without pressure.

Efforts from Parents and Family

Although many factors encourage children to play online games, parents and families have an important role in minimizing these activities. One step that can be taken is to give more attention in terms of parenting and affection. This can be done by spending quality time with children and involved in positive activities. In addition, reducing the level of divorce among parents can also help create a more stable environment for children.

The study suggests that parents and families can take the following steps to minimize children's involvement in online games:

Spend quality time with children: Parents should spend quality time with their children, engaging in positive activities and building a strong relationship.
Provide emotional support: Parents should provide emotional support to their children, helping them to cope with emotional problems and reducing the need for escape through online games.
Create a stable environment: Parents should create a stable environment for their children, reducing the level of divorce and conflict in the home.
Monitor online activity: Parents should monitor their children's online activity, setting limits and guidelines for online gaming.

Conclusion

Children's virtual interactions in online games are complex aspects and are influenced by various factors. Family structure, environment, and the role of parents are very influential on how children interact virtually. Therefore, the attention and involvement of parents is needed to guide children in using digital media in a healthy manner. With the right approach, parents can help children to enjoy the benefits of technology without sacrificing social and emotional relationships that are important in their lives.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Parents and families should prioritize building a strong relationship with their children, spending quality time and providing emotional support.
Parents should create a stable environment for their children, reducing the level of divorce and conflict in the home.
Parents should monitor online activity, setting limits and guidelines for online gaming.
Parents and families should educate children about healthy virtual interactions, teaching them how to communicate effectively and respectfully online.

By following these recommendations, parents and families can help children to develop healthy virtual interactions and minimize the negative effects of online gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions: Children's Virtual Interaction in Online Games

Q: What are the benefits of children playing online games?

A: While excessive online gaming can have negative effects, moderate online gaming can have several benefits for children, including:

Improved cognitive skills, such as problem-solving and decision-making
Enhanced creativity and imagination
Better social skills, such as communication and teamwork
Increased self-confidence and self-esteem

Q: What are the risks of children playing online games?

A: The risks of children playing online games include:

Addiction and excessive gaming
Exposure to online predators and cyberbullying
Development of unhealthy virtual interactions, such as aggression and hostility
Negative impact on physical and mental health, such as obesity and anxiety

Q: How can parents monitor their children's online activity?

A: Parents can monitor their children's online activity by:

Setting limits and guidelines for online gaming
Using parental control software to block access to certain websites and games
Regularly checking their children's online activity and discussing it with them
Encouraging open communication and honesty about online activity

Q: What are some signs that a child may be addicted to online games?

A: Some signs that a child may be addicted to online games include:

Spending excessive amounts of time playing games
Neglecting responsibilities, such as homework and chores
Experiencing withdrawal symptoms, such as irritability and anxiety, when unable to play
Lying about online activity or hiding it from parents

Q: How can parents help their children develop healthy virtual interactions?

A: Parents can help their children develop healthy virtual interactions by:

Modeling healthy online behavior themselves
Teaching children about online safety and etiquette
Encouraging children to communicate effectively and respectfully online
Monitoring online activity and discussing it with children

Q: What are some tips for parents to reduce their children's screen time?

A: Some tips for parents to reduce their children's screen time include:

Setting limits and guidelines for screen time
Encouraging physical activity and outdoor play
Providing alternative activities, such as reading and puzzles
Modeling healthy screen use habits themselves

Q: How can parents balance their children's need for social interaction with the risks of online gaming?

A: Parents can balance their children's need for social interaction with the risks of online gaming by:

Encouraging offline social activities, such as sports and clubs
Monitoring online activity and discussing it with children
Teaching children about online safety and etiquette
Setting limits and guidelines for online gaming

Q: What are some resources for parents to learn more about children's online gaming?

A: Some resources for parents to learn more about children's online gaming include:

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines for children's screen time
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) resources on online safety
The Cyberbullying Research Center resources on online safety and etiquette
The Common Sense Media website, which provides reviews and ratings of children's online games and apps.