The Effect of Gadget Use on Gross and Fine Motor Development among Preschool Children: The Role of Primitive Reflexes

Authors

  • Jamilatus Sholeha Universitas Strada Indonesia
  • Yuly Peristiowati Universitas Strada Indonesia
  • Nurwijayanti Nurwijayanti Universitas Strada Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.58344/locus.v5i8.6215

Keywords:

Fine Motor, Gadget, Gross Motor, Preschool, Primitive Reflex

Abstract

Excessive gadget use among preschool children may reduce physical activity and sensorimotor stimulation, thereby affecting primitive reflex integration and motor development. This study aimed to analyze the effect of gadget-use intensity and primitive reflex integration on gross and fine motor development among preschool children. A quantitative study with a cross-sectional design was conducted involving 100 preschool children in RT 01 RW 02 Sukasari Village, Bogor. Data were collected through measurements of gadget-use duration, primitive reflex examination, and assessment of gross and fine motor development using the Denver Developmental Screening Test (DDST). Data were analyzed using multiple linear regression with a significance level of 0.05. The results showed that gadget-use intensity significantly affected gross motor development (p = 0.001; t = 3.365) and fine motor development (p = 0.003; t = 3.032). Primitive reflex integration also had a significant effect on gross motor development (p < 0.001; t = 7.654) and fine motor development (p < 0.001; t = 7.817). Simultaneously, gadget-use intensity and primitive reflex integration significantly influenced children's motor development. Children who used gadgets for more than 2.7 hours per day were more likely to experience delayed motor development than those with approximately 2 hours of daily use. These findings indicate that excessive gadget use increases the risk of delayed motor development through reduced physical stimulation and emphasize the importance of parental supervision and active physical stimulation to support optimal motor development in preschool children.

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Published

2026-08-11

Issue

Vol. 5 No. 8 (2026): JURNAL LOCUS: Penelitian dan Pengabdian

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Articles

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Copyright (c) 2026 Jamilatus Sholeha, Yuly Peristiowati, Nurwijayanti Nurwijayanti

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