inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. In promoting the "Fathers Take Report Cards" (Gemar) Movement to School,  Minister of Population and Family Development, Wihaji, reminded children not to let their cell phones control them and called on all fathers to be present for their children.

"The average 25 percent of our children are orphans (who have lost their fathers) and have mental health problems, yet they spend an average of 8.7 to 10 hours a day using their cell phones," said Wihaji on Thursday (6/25/2026).

Wihaji explained that from the moment they wake up, before bed, before or after religious services, and after doing homework, most of their activities are around cell phones, including interacting with Artificial Intelligence (AI).

"Today, almost 60-70 percent of our brain algorithms are influenced by technology. If we're not careful, their parents won't be us, but our cell phones," warned Wihaji.

He gave an example of one of his morning activities: always trying to take his children to school and interact with them for at least 30 minutes to an hour.

"What's important is how parents are present. Just one or two hours, make time for them. I still take my children to school, driving myself because I can chat for at least half an hour, and if I'm driving, I definitely don't have a cell phone," noted Wihaji.

He also emphasized the importance of being present not only financially but also psychologically for children, including by listening to their outpourings by being present for at least an hour.

(ad/ndt/pr/rs)