Sweden Is Leaving Digital Toys Behind and Switching to Physical Toys. What Does Indonesia Can Learn From This?

In an era dominated by gadgets such as tablets and smartphones, as well as online learning in some schools, these factors are gradually affecting children’s ability to concentrate and causing delays in their motor skills. This has sparked the “Digital Detox” movement, a realization that early childhood brain development requires real-world stimulation through hands-on interaction, not virtual experiences behind a screen.

Sweden is known for its highly progressive and fully digital school system. Sweden caused a stir worldwide when it decided to gradually overhaul its curriculum and learning system starting in 2025 by moving away from reliance on gadgets, and to design a new curriculum to be implemented in 2028 that places greater emphasis on printed books, paper, and pens.

Instead of gadgets, Sweden is now investing heavily in bringing back physical books, handwriting practice, and physical toys. This bold shift serves as a scientific warning to the world. Technology-heavy education is not a shortcut to producing child prodigies, in fact, it could be a major step backward.

If Indonesia wishes to adopt a similar approach to reemphasize the use of physical educational toys, its strategy must be carefully tailored to local lifestyles and infrastructure. Here are some opinions and suggestions for its implementation:

1.     Using Eco-Friendly Educational Toys Made from Affordable Local Materials

In Indonesia, high-quality physical toys are often considered expensive luxuries, while visually stimulating digital apps can be downloaded for free. To make educational toys accessible to everyone, parents can look to affordable local products. These products use eco-friendly materials to make puzzles, activity books, sticker games, and more.

2.     Prioritizing Fine Motor Skills for Child Development

Many pediatricians in Indonesia have noted a surge in cases of speech delays and motor skill disorders among toddlers because they spend their time swiping at screens instead of exercising their hands and minds. Tactile activities such as tearing, cutting, and sticking stickers should be encouraged again. Activities like matching objects, developing fine motor skills, and learning through play can help improve concentration and foster critical thinking.

3. Changing Parenting Styles to Replace Digital Devices with Practical Physical Toys

Busy working parents today often lack time and end up relying on gadgets as digital babysitters for their children. In order to serve as a practical alternative to digital caregivers, physical toys also need to offer similar functions. These educational toys come pre-packaged and are ready to assemble or play with without requiring a large space and they’re also easy to put away and clean up.

The shift in Sweden’s educational approach demonstrates that children’s brains develop through real-world stimulation. Starting a digital detox by stocking homes and classrooms with tactile toys is a crucial investment in the cognitive future of Indonesian children. This step will help them maintain their focus, sharpen their motor skills, and foster creativity.

Explore DG Toys wide selection of educational toys today! Contact us via WhatsApp at +6281230010105 for more information and to place an order. Let’s grow together in children’s creative industry.