Content Consumption Can Cause Resilience Of Brain Function, How To Overcome Brain Rots In Children

Illustration of children playing (Unsplash)

JAKARTA - With a population of more than 280 million people, Indonesia has listed itself as one of the countries with the largest number of social media users in the world. According to the latest data in 2024, the number of social media users in Indonesia has reached 221 million people, of which more than 40 million are school-age children.

Although social media brings various benefits, such as ease of communication and access to information, it is undeniable that its impact on the cognitive development of children is a serious concern, especially in a phenomenon known as "Brain Rot." This issue became the most widely discussed topic in 2024, according to the Oxford Word of the Year 2024.

Brain Rot, or brain function setbacks due to excessive content consumption and lack of intellectual stimulation, pose a real threat in this digital era. Children who spend too much time on social media tend to experience a decrease in concentration, creativity, and critical thinking skills. This phenomenon needs to be prevented so that the nation's next generation does not lose their best potential.

As parents or educators, it is important to take proactive steps in preventing Brain Rots in children. Here are some of the activities suggested by the Head of Education of Capacap, Veronica Banister:

1. Read a book

Reading is an effective way to increase imagination, enrich vocabulary, and hone critical thinking skills. Parents can encourage their children to read books that suit their interests, both fiction and non-fiction. Exercise Physical activity is not only good for the health of the body, but also stimulates the brain to work more optimally. Exercise such as swimming, cycling, or playing football can help children increase concentration and mood.

2. Learn Music Tools

Playing musical instruments such as piano, guitar, or violin has proven to improve brain function. Children who learn music can develop multitasking, memory and persistence capabilities.

3. Learn New Language

Mastering foreign languages not only expands children's insight, but also increases cognitive abilities. For example, participating in learning at the Kids Academy Capap which provides interactive learning both blended and online, making it easier for children to learn English with fun.

According to Veronica Banister, Head of Education of Capap, "Involving children in intellectually stimulating activities, especially such as exercising and learning a new language, is the best investment and has a significant impact on their future. In addition to reducing the negative impact of social media, this activity also builds a strong and independent character."

By involving children in positive activities such as reading, exercising, learning musical instruments, and language, we not only prevent Brain Rot, but also prepare them to become creative, productive, and competitive individuals in the future.

A skilled generation, mentally and physically healthy, will be the foundation for a better Indonesia as well as the Capap Kids Academy which accommodates enough from the learning side of the new language and exercise, especially in several branches of the CAkap Kids Academy which are already in the Jakarta, Tangerang, and Bekasi areas where each branch provides Gym facilities to students to continue to be active both motorly and cognitively.

"Let's work together to assist our children in facing this digital era, ensuring that they grow into a generation that is smart, tough, and accomplished," he concluded.