By Nurdini Rosliza
SHAH ALAM, Dec 29 — While school holidays are eagerly anticipated by children, many parents see the break as a chance to pull their children away from screens and reconnect through outdoor activities, skills-building and quality family time.
For homemaker Khairunnisa Halim, the holidays are fully utilised to get her children out of the house, even if it means travelling without her husband, who can only take leave on certain days.
Domestic destinations such as Port Dickson are among her preferred choices, weather permitting, as she believes outdoor activities are far more beneficial than time spent on gadgets.
“School holidays are the best time for outdoor activities. I don’t allow my children to play with gadgets. Instead, I encourage them to play outside so they can stay active,” she said.
Senior lecturer at the University of Wollongong Malaysia, Noorhaiza Masri, shares a similar approach, with the early days of the school break usually spent going out, eating together and enjoying activities beyond the confines of home.
She said gadget use is carefully managed through schedules and time limits, adding that her children naturally gravitate towards outdoor activities when given the choice.
“So far, they prefer spending time outside rather than on gadgets,” she said.
For IOI Properties customer relations executive Harina Atan, the school holidays are not just about leisure, but also personal development. This year, the break was used to manage her children’s circumcision arrangements and enrol them in silat training.
She said such activities help instil discipline and life skills, while also reducing reliance on electronic devices.
“Gadget use is controlled by keeping them busy with skills-based activities like sewing and embroidery, so their time is spent on more meaningful things,” she said.
IT officer at Bio Consulting, Thevaraj Subramaniam, said outdoor activities play an important role in supporting his children’s mental well-being, especially after long periods of studying at home.
“Outdoor activities give them a mental break. At home, gadget use is limited by time and not allowed freely,” he explained.
Meanwhile, assistant vice-president and project manager at Great Eastern Life Assurance Malaysia, Danial Aizat Mat Husin, prefers a quieter approach, filling the school holidays with house chores and simple family bonding at home.
“I’m more comfortable staying in rather than going to crowded places. Controlling gadget use can be challenging, but our children are still monitored with clear rules and limits,” he said.
Overall, parents are increasingly choosing outdoor pursuits and family-centred activities during the school holidays as a way to reduce children’s dependence on gadgets, while strengthening family ties.
As gadget use among children in Malaysia continues to rise alongside technological advancement and online learning, parents play a crucial role in ensuring a healthy balance — one that supports physical, emotional and social development beyond the screen.
