The Impact of Gadget Use on the Language Development of 5-6 Year Old Children

Abstract

The use of gadgets among early childhood is increasingly widespread in the digital era, but their impact on children's language development has not been studied in depth in the context of Islamic-based early childhood education institutions in rural areas. This study aims to identify and analyze the impact of gadget use on the language development of 5-6 year old children at Sakinah Early Childhood Education Center in Tanjung Medan. The study used a descriptive qualitative approach with data collection techniques through participatory observation, in-depth interviews with teachers and parents, and documentation. The study subjects were 29 children registered in April 2026. The results showed that 72.4% of children used devices for more than two hours per day, and the majority (65.5%) showed delays in productive language development. On the other hand, controlled device use with educational content was shown to increase children's passive vocabulary. There were two opposing impacts: a negative impact in the form of reduced verbal interaction with parents and peers, and a positive impact in the form of vocabulary expansion through audio-visual media. This study contributes to mapping the phenomenon of devices in PAUD Sakinah Tanjung Medan, Pasaman Regency, West Sumatra and recommends policies on limiting the duration and providing parental guidance.