Regulasi Emosi dan Self-Control Anak Pengguna Gadget dan Non-Pengguna di RA Nurul Falah

Abstract

Early childhood is a critical period for the development of emotional regulation and self-control; however, increasingly early exposure to gadgets threatens to disrupt this process before a child's self-control abilities have fully matured. This study aims to identify and compare the patterns of emotional regulation and self-control between children who regularly use gadgets and those denied access to them by their parents at RA Nurul Falah. A narrative qualitative approach was employed, utilizing data collection methods such as participant observation, interviews with teachers and parents, and documentation of the children's daily activities during the observation period. Data analysis involved thematic reduction, presentation, and conclusion drawing. The results indicate that gadget-using children tend to exhibit more intense and prolonged tantrums, easily distracted attention, diminished social interest in their surroundings, and eating habits dependent on gadget content. Conversely, children without gadget access demonstrate more stable emotions, a keen interest in their environment and new activities, and greater independence in eating. These findings reinforce the notion that gadgets can serve as a substitute for external emotional regulation, thereby hindering the development of a child's internal self-control. The study’s contribution lies in its direct comparison of two groups of children within the same educational setting—a research design rarely seen in similar Indonesian studies, which typically focus solely on the group of gadget users.