Schools should allow children to play with lato-lato or click-clack balls so that they can do it safely and have an outlet to channel the hobby, Gadjah Mada University (UGM) psychologist, Prof. Koentjoro, has said.

“(Schools should not) ban or just let them just because it is (considered) dangerous,” Koentjoro said here on Tuesday.

According to him, instead of prohibiting the toy, schools can help children channel their interest in playing lato-lato, for example, by organizing lato-lato competitions.

This way, children can also learn how to play with integrity and sportsmanship.

Schools, he said, can play a role in teaching students to understand the rules and learn how to play lato-lato safely so that their play does not disturb the surroundings.

“Children should be reminded of the dangers of lato-lato that they and others are exposed to and about when to play it to be sensitive to the environment,” Koentjoro added.

According to him, playing with lato-lato has a positive side, for instance, it can reduce children’s dependence on gadgets.

“The positive aspect is that it decreases children’s dependence on gadgets. They used to play mobile phones, but now lato-lato,” he said.

Moreover, children who play lato-lato can practice concentration and dexterity, build self-confidence, and engage in social interaction, among other things.

“Lato-lato can be a cheap tool for children to exercise and learn to concentrate,” he said.

The role of parents is also crucial in making children understand the rules and dangers of any game, including click-clack balls.

“Parents must be there, and the child must be taught how to play safely and when to play so as not to disturb the environment,” he said.

Meanwhile, several local education offices, such as in Cirebon, West Java, and Tangerang district, Banten, have started to review the policy prohibiting children to play lato-lato in school environments.

Source: Antara News