A team of five Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) Faculty of Psychology students carried out a community service program titled Arahkan Ruang Digital Anak (ARUNA) in Kampung Wisata Kali Code, Cokrodiningratan, Yogyakarta, on June 27–28, 2026. The program combined a parenting seminar for parents with interactive learning activities for children to improve their understanding of healthy gadget use.
The UGM grant team, consisting of Valesca Audrey Pri Nugroho, Achmad Syafiq Javier Arzaqi, Daniswara Sekar Indrastuti, Maryam Izzati Muthmainnah, and Sarah Putri Nashira, developed the program based on observations and discussions with Ambar, a local community leader. These findings informed the program objectives and the development of psychoeducation modules on gadget use among elementary school-aged children.
Parenting Seminar for Parents
The first day, Saturday (June 27), began with a pre-test to assess participants’ initial understanding. The team then held a parenting seminar discussing the effects of gadget use on children and parenting strategies that parents and guardians could apply.
The seminar was attended by 30 participants and featured Nurul Susanti, S.Psi., M.M., Psychologist, as the speaker. At the end of the session, participants completed a post-test to measure changes in their understanding following the seminar.
Interactive Learning for Children
On Sunday (June 28), the team held Petualangan ARUNA, an activity attended by 35 elementary school-aged children. The program applied an interactive-based learning approach through several activities, including watching films for reflection, interactive card games, and creative activities using soft clay.
Through these activities, children learned to recognize time limits for gadget use, distinguish beneficial digital activities from potentially risky ones, and explore their surroundings as an alternative to digital activities. This activity-based approach allowed children to understand healthy gadget use through participatory learning experiences.
Encouraging Healthy Gadget Use
The ARUNA program supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). Through education for parents and children, the program aims to encourage family guidance in gadget use and provide alternative activities that promote children’s physical activity and social interaction within their communities.
The team hopes that the education provided through ARUNA will equip parents to guide their children in using gadgets and help children make informed and responsible choices about digital activities.
Writer: Daniswara Sekar Indrastuti / ARUNA PKM Grant Team
Editor: Erna Tri Nofiyana
Photo: Kompasiana.com