Main Article Content
Abstract
This study investigated the relationship between gadget use and elementary school students’ motivation to participate in physical education. Concerns have been raised among parents and teachers regarding the potential negative impacts of excessive gadget use on students’ learning interest. Using a quantitative approach, this study examined students from a public elementary school in Tanjungsari, Sumedang, who were selected based on their observed low motivation in physical education lessons. Data were collected through surveys and interviews with physical education teachers to assess students’ gadget use patterns and their motivation levels in physical education activities. The findings revealed a significant negative correlation, indicating that increased gadget use was associated with decreased motivation for physical education. Excessive screen time can contribute to reduced physical activity and lack of enthusiasm for exercise. To address this issue, parents are encouraged to regulate screen time, create a balanced routine that includes outdoor activities, and serve as role models for an active lifestyle. Meanwhile, physical education teachers should design more interactive and engaging physical education lessons to rekindle students’ interest. Future research should explore effective pedagogical strategies and intervention programs that can improve students’ motivation and participation in physical education.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Riyana Syarif, Indra Safari, Aam Ali Rahman

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References
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Ashari, ZM, Ngadiman, AA, Zainudin, NF, & Jumaat, NF (2018). The relationship between knowledge and attitudes towards the use of technological gadgets and students' social and emotional development. International Journal of Interactive Mobile Technology, 12(7).
Azid, MBBA, Mazalan, NS, Ahmad, W., Pa, MW, Kamaruzaman, FM, & Nazarudin, MN (2023). Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation in Sports.
Chu, Y., Chen, C., Wang, G., & Su, F. (2022). The effect of educational models in physical education on students' learning behavior. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 944507.
Coe, DP, Post, EM, Fitzhugh, EC, Fairbrother, JT, & Webster, EK (2024). Relationships between Motor Competence, Physical Activity, Perceived Motor Competence, and Aerobic Fitness in Adolescents Aged 10–15 Years. Children, 11(2), 260.
Daryanto, D., Purbodjati, P., & Kumaat, NA (2022). The Effect of Smartphone Usage Intensity on Students' Physical Fitness and Social Skills. Bravo's: Journal of Physical Education and Health Study Program, 10(3), 219–225.
Hafilda, A., Lestari, S., & Ratnasari, F. (2022). The relationship between parenting patterns in elementary school children and gadget addiction in West Mauk Village during the Covid-19 pandemic. Jurnal Nusantara Hasana, 1(12), 7–11.
Irfan, I., Rahmasandi, R., Azhar, A., & Azmin, N. (2023). The Role of Parents in Overcoming Gadget Addiction in Children in Nitu Village, Bima City. Edu Sociata: Journal of Sociology Education, 6(1), 1–7.
Jamir, L., Duggal, M., Nehra, R., Singh, P., & Grover, S. (2019). Epidemiology of technology addiction among school students in rural India. Asian Journal of Psychiatry, 40 (January), 30–38. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajp.2019.01.009
Kamaruddin, I., Leuwol, FS, Putra, RP, Aina, M., Suwarma, DM, & Zulfikhar, R. (2023). The Impact of Gadget Use on Mental Health and Student Learning Motivation at School. Journal of Education, 6(1), 307–316.
Kumala, AM, Margawati, A., & Rahadiyanti, A. (2019). The relationship between the duration of electronic device (Gadget) use, physical activity and diet with nutritional status in adolescents aged 13-15 years. Journal of Nutrition College, 8(2), 73–80.
Ludwig, K., Arthur, R., Sculthorpe, N., Fountain, H., & Buchan, D.S. (2018). Text message interventions to increase physical activity and sedentary behavior in adolescents: a systematic review. JMIR MHealth and UHealth, 6(9), e10799.
Mahendra, IKP, Wahjoedi, W., & Semarayasa, IK (2021). Correlation of Procrastination, Online Games, and Social Media with Interest in Sports of Grade X Male Students of SMKN 3 Kintamani. Jurnal Penjakora, 8(2), 98-105.
Marageta, O., & Yusnadi, Y. (2023). Gadget Usage Habits by Elementary School Students Post Covid-19 Pandemic. International Journal of Educational Practice and Policy, 32–41.
Munawar, M., & Nisfah, NL (2020). The Effect of Assertive Discipline on Gadget Addiction in Early Childhood. Journal of Early Childhood Education and Care, 2(2), 64.
Pahmi, P., Ardiya, A., Syahfutra, W., Wibowo, AP, Niah, S., & Febtiningsih, P. (2018). Training on the use of Mendeley for references in writing scientific papers for teachers of Handayani High School, Pekanbaru. Journal of Devotion to Your Country, 2(2), 35–39.
Peni, T., Laili, SI, & Ratnaningsih, T. (2022). Duration of Gadget Use and Its Impact on Children's Learning Motivation and Social Development. Journal of Nursing and Midwifery, 9(3), 303–310.
Pertiwi, L., & Prakosa, F. (2021). Utilization of technology in the cognitive development of early childhood. J. Psychol, 6, 49.
Prameswari, AW, & Pratama, RS (2025). The Role of Parents in Encouraging Early Childhood Participation in Sports Activities. Mutiara: Journal of Research and Scientific Work, 3(1), 134–146.
Rahman, AA, & Angraeni, A. (2020). Empowering learners with role play for vocabulary mastery. International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research, 19(1), 60–73.
Rahman, AA, Angraeni, A., & Fauzi, RA (2021). Activating learner metacognition to improve learning independence of good language learners. Pegem Journal of Education and Instruction, 11(4), 249–253.
Rahmania, N., Dorahman, B., & Sunaryo, S. (2023). Analysis of the Negative Impact of Gadget Use Reviewed from Student Behavior. Seroja: Journal of Education, 2(4), 512–519.
Rini, DS, Rahmasiwi, A., & Sulistyowati, Y. (2022). Parents' Experiences in Accompanying Elementary School Students in Using the Internet. JENIUS (Journal of Education Policy and Elementary Education Issues), 3(1), 25–36.
Rustandi, R., Sudrazat, A., & Rahman, AA (2024). Analysis of Elementary School Students' Motivation Levels in Participating in Extracurricular Football Activities in Situraja District. Jurnal Kejaora (Physical Health and Sports), 9(1), 45–55.
Saepudin, J., Noval, A., & Marpuah, M. (2021). Gadgets and the Learning Behavior of Memorizing the Qur'an of Students at MAN 2 Bandung City. Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Religion and Education, INCRE 2020, 11-12 November 2020, Jakarta, Indonesia.
Safari, I., & Saptani, E. (2019). Training methods and hand-eye coordination to improve the accuracy of table tennis forehand sidespin serves. Journal of Sports, 7(2), 174–181.
Safari, I., & Subagja, DS (2018). The Effect of Multiball and Wall Reflection Training Methods on Improving Forehand Drive Strokes in Table Tennis.
Schiff, NT, & Supriady, A. (2023). The sport education model (SEM) on students' motivation and physical activity in the classroom: A literature review. SPORTIF Journal: Journal of Learning Research, 9(1), 40–58.
Sealza, JM, Amora, MZ, & Salise-Oncog, AA (2021). Gadget use and visual acuity among school-aged children in Tagbilaran City Central Elementary School: A correlational study. Chinese Journal of Medical Research, 4(1), 15–22.
Setiawati, FS, Mahmudiono, T., Ramadhani, N., & Hidayati, KF (2019). Intensity of Social Media Use, Exercise Habits, and Obesity in Adolescents at State High School 6 Surabaya in 2019. Amerta Nutrition, 3(3), 142-148.
Shah, D., Aslam, M., & Sharjeel, M.Y. (2021). Urban Parenting and Child Development Practices Using Technological Smart Devices: Evidence from Karachi. Pakistan Languages and Humanities Review, 5(2), 514–528.
Shwed, A., Bruner, B., Law, B., & Bruner, M.W. (2023). An Investigation of the Impact of Food Rewards on Children's Motivation to Participate in Sport. Children, 10(3), 432.
Siwi, IN, & Safitri, OR (2019). Prevention of Gadget Addiction and Temperament in Children Through Consistent Parenting Patterns. ABDIMAS Madani, 1(1).
Syifa, L., Setianingsih, ES, & Sulianto, J. (2019). The impact of gadget use on psychological development in elementary school children. Elementary School Scientific Journal, 3(4), 527–533.
Togaibayeva, A., Ramazanova, D., Yessengulova, M., Yergazina, A., Nurlin, A., & Shokanov, R. (2022). The influence of mobile learning on students' satisfaction, perceived usefulness, and academic achievement when learning a foreign language. Frontiers in Education, 7, 946102.
Wahyuni, AS, Siahaan, FB, Arfa, M., Alona, I., & Nerdy, N. (2019). The relationship between the duration of playing gadgets with the emotional mental condition of elementary school students. Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences, 7(1), 148.
Wang, J., Shen, Y., Zhao, J., Wang, X., Chen, Z., Han, T., Huang, Y., Wang, Y., Zhao, W., & Wen, W. (2024). Sensor and algorithm-based research on screen use behavior and light environment in Chinese children and adolescents. Frontiers in Public Health, 12, 1352759.
Yılmaz, A., Aydın, M., Bahadır, T.K., & Soyer, F. (2019). A study on participation motives in sports, loneliness, and depression levels of children with specific learning disabilities in terms of several variables. Journal of Human Sciences, 16(4), 978–987.
Yuaviki, R., BURSTIANDO, R., & Mashuri, H. (2020). The Relationship between Gadget Use and Physical Fitness in Grade IV, V and VI Students of SDN 2 Kedoyo, Sendang District, Tulungagung Regency. Nusantara PGRI University of Kediri.
References
Ashari, ZM, Ngadiman, AA, Zainudin, NF, & Jumaat, NF (2018). The relationship between knowledge and attitudes towards the use of technological gadgets and students' social and emotional development. International Journal of Interactive Mobile Technology, 12(7).
Azid, MBBA, Mazalan, NS, Ahmad, W., Pa, MW, Kamaruzaman, FM, & Nazarudin, MN (2023). Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation in Sports.
Chu, Y., Chen, C., Wang, G., & Su, F. (2022). The effect of educational models in physical education on students' learning behavior. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 944507.
Coe, DP, Post, EM, Fitzhugh, EC, Fairbrother, JT, & Webster, EK (2024). Relationships between Motor Competence, Physical Activity, Perceived Motor Competence, and Aerobic Fitness in Adolescents Aged 10–15 Years. Children, 11(2), 260.
Daryanto, D., Purbodjati, P., & Kumaat, NA (2022). The Effect of Smartphone Usage Intensity on Students' Physical Fitness and Social Skills. Bravo's: Journal of Physical Education and Health Study Program, 10(3), 219–225.
Hafilda, A., Lestari, S., & Ratnasari, F. (2022). The relationship between parenting patterns in elementary school children and gadget addiction in West Mauk Village during the Covid-19 pandemic. Jurnal Nusantara Hasana, 1(12), 7–11.
Irfan, I., Rahmasandi, R., Azhar, A., & Azmin, N. (2023). The Role of Parents in Overcoming Gadget Addiction in Children in Nitu Village, Bima City. Edu Sociata: Journal of Sociology Education, 6(1), 1–7.
Jamir, L., Duggal, M., Nehra, R., Singh, P., & Grover, S. (2019). Epidemiology of technology addiction among school students in rural India. Asian Journal of Psychiatry, 40 (January), 30–38. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajp.2019.01.009
Kamaruddin, I., Leuwol, FS, Putra, RP, Aina, M., Suwarma, DM, & Zulfikhar, R. (2023). The Impact of Gadget Use on Mental Health and Student Learning Motivation at School. Journal of Education, 6(1), 307–316.
Kumala, AM, Margawati, A., & Rahadiyanti, A. (2019). The relationship between the duration of electronic device (Gadget) use, physical activity and diet with nutritional status in adolescents aged 13-15 years. Journal of Nutrition College, 8(2), 73–80.
Ludwig, K., Arthur, R., Sculthorpe, N., Fountain, H., & Buchan, D.S. (2018). Text message interventions to increase physical activity and sedentary behavior in adolescents: a systematic review. JMIR MHealth and UHealth, 6(9), e10799.
Mahendra, IKP, Wahjoedi, W., & Semarayasa, IK (2021). Correlation of Procrastination, Online Games, and Social Media with Interest in Sports of Grade X Male Students of SMKN 3 Kintamani. Jurnal Penjakora, 8(2), 98-105.
Marageta, O., & Yusnadi, Y. (2023). Gadget Usage Habits by Elementary School Students Post Covid-19 Pandemic. International Journal of Educational Practice and Policy, 32–41.
Munawar, M., & Nisfah, NL (2020). The Effect of Assertive Discipline on Gadget Addiction in Early Childhood. Journal of Early Childhood Education and Care, 2(2), 64.
Pahmi, P., Ardiya, A., Syahfutra, W., Wibowo, AP, Niah, S., & Febtiningsih, P. (2018). Training on the use of Mendeley for references in writing scientific papers for teachers of Handayani High School, Pekanbaru. Journal of Devotion to Your Country, 2(2), 35–39.
Peni, T., Laili, SI, & Ratnaningsih, T. (2022). Duration of Gadget Use and Its Impact on Children's Learning Motivation and Social Development. Journal of Nursing and Midwifery, 9(3), 303–310.
Pertiwi, L., & Prakosa, F. (2021). Utilization of technology in the cognitive development of early childhood. J. Psychol, 6, 49.
Prameswari, AW, & Pratama, RS (2025). The Role of Parents in Encouraging Early Childhood Participation in Sports Activities. Mutiara: Journal of Research and Scientific Work, 3(1), 134–146.
Rahman, AA, & Angraeni, A. (2020). Empowering learners with role play for vocabulary mastery. International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research, 19(1), 60–73.
Rahman, AA, Angraeni, A., & Fauzi, RA (2021). Activating learner metacognition to improve learning independence of good language learners. Pegem Journal of Education and Instruction, 11(4), 249–253.
Rahmania, N., Dorahman, B., & Sunaryo, S. (2023). Analysis of the Negative Impact of Gadget Use Reviewed from Student Behavior. Seroja: Journal of Education, 2(4), 512–519.
Rini, DS, Rahmasiwi, A., & Sulistyowati, Y. (2022). Parents' Experiences in Accompanying Elementary School Students in Using the Internet. JENIUS (Journal of Education Policy and Elementary Education Issues), 3(1), 25–36.
Rustandi, R., Sudrazat, A., & Rahman, AA (2024). Analysis of Elementary School Students' Motivation Levels in Participating in Extracurricular Football Activities in Situraja District. Jurnal Kejaora (Physical Health and Sports), 9(1), 45–55.
Saepudin, J., Noval, A., & Marpuah, M. (2021). Gadgets and the Learning Behavior of Memorizing the Qur'an of Students at MAN 2 Bandung City. Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Religion and Education, INCRE 2020, 11-12 November 2020, Jakarta, Indonesia.
Safari, I., & Saptani, E. (2019). Training methods and hand-eye coordination to improve the accuracy of table tennis forehand sidespin serves. Journal of Sports, 7(2), 174–181.
Safari, I., & Subagja, DS (2018). The Effect of Multiball and Wall Reflection Training Methods on Improving Forehand Drive Strokes in Table Tennis.
Schiff, NT, & Supriady, A. (2023). The sport education model (SEM) on students' motivation and physical activity in the classroom: A literature review. SPORTIF Journal: Journal of Learning Research, 9(1), 40–58.
Sealza, JM, Amora, MZ, & Salise-Oncog, AA (2021). Gadget use and visual acuity among school-aged children in Tagbilaran City Central Elementary School: A correlational study. Chinese Journal of Medical Research, 4(1), 15–22.
Setiawati, FS, Mahmudiono, T., Ramadhani, N., & Hidayati, KF (2019). Intensity of Social Media Use, Exercise Habits, and Obesity in Adolescents at State High School 6 Surabaya in 2019. Amerta Nutrition, 3(3), 142-148.
Shah, D., Aslam, M., & Sharjeel, M.Y. (2021). Urban Parenting and Child Development Practices Using Technological Smart Devices: Evidence from Karachi. Pakistan Languages and Humanities Review, 5(2), 514–528.
Shwed, A., Bruner, B., Law, B., & Bruner, M.W. (2023). An Investigation of the Impact of Food Rewards on Children's Motivation to Participate in Sport. Children, 10(3), 432.
Siwi, IN, & Safitri, OR (2019). Prevention of Gadget Addiction and Temperament in Children Through Consistent Parenting Patterns. ABDIMAS Madani, 1(1).
Syifa, L., Setianingsih, ES, & Sulianto, J. (2019). The impact of gadget use on psychological development in elementary school children. Elementary School Scientific Journal, 3(4), 527–533.
Togaibayeva, A., Ramazanova, D., Yessengulova, M., Yergazina, A., Nurlin, A., & Shokanov, R. (2022). The influence of mobile learning on students' satisfaction, perceived usefulness, and academic achievement when learning a foreign language. Frontiers in Education, 7, 946102.
Wahyuni, AS, Siahaan, FB, Arfa, M., Alona, I., & Nerdy, N. (2019). The relationship between the duration of playing gadgets with the emotional mental condition of elementary school students. Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences, 7(1), 148.
Wang, J., Shen, Y., Zhao, J., Wang, X., Chen, Z., Han, T., Huang, Y., Wang, Y., Zhao, W., & Wen, W. (2024). Sensor and algorithm-based research on screen use behavior and light environment in Chinese children and adolescents. Frontiers in Public Health, 12, 1352759.
Yılmaz, A., Aydın, M., Bahadır, T.K., & Soyer, F. (2019). A study on participation motives in sports, loneliness, and depression levels of children with specific learning disabilities in terms of several variables. Journal of Human Sciences, 16(4), 978–987.
Yuaviki, R., BURSTIANDO, R., & Mashuri, H. (2020). The Relationship between Gadget Use and Physical Fitness in Grade IV, V and VI Students of SDN 2 Kedoyo, Sendang District, Tulungagung Regency. Nusantara PGRI University of Kediri.