The Impact of Gadget Use on Children's Moral Behavior and Efforts to Overcome It Through Moral and Creed Learning

Abstract

The rapid development of digital technology has led to an increase in gadget use among children. On the one hand, gadgets provide easy access to information and serve as useful learning tools. On the other hand, uncontrolled gadget use may have negative impacts on children’s moral behavior, including a decline in politeness, reduced social interaction, lack of discipline, and a tendency to imitate behaviors that are inconsistent with moral and religious values. This study aims to analyze the impact of gadget use on children’s moral behavior and examine efforts to overcome these challenges through Aqidah Akhlak (Islamic Creed and Moral Education) learning. The research employs a qualitative approach using a library research method by collecting and analyzing relevant literature, previous studies, and scholarly sources. The findings indicate that excessive gadget use without adequate supervision from parents and teachers can affect children’s character formation and moral development. Aqidah Akhlak learning plays a strategic role in shaping children’s personalities and religious character through the cultivation of faith-based values, the habituation of commendable behavior, exemplary role modeling, and the strengthening of self-control in the use of digital technology.